The result of the last two races at Caulfield on Saturday, the Group III TS Carlyon Cup and the Group III Bellmaine Stakes must have been cheered on by every small breeder dreaming of the big time.
That wonderfully big-hearted frontrunner Burning Front is by Primus, who covered just six mares in 2016 and a grand total of 39 in his last four seasons.
Burning Front has amassed over $800,000 for connections that include his breeder Justin Lovatt who could not find a buyer for the chestnut as a yearling.
Then there is the heart-warming story of the 4yo mare Prussian Vixen who led every step of the way in the Group III Bellmaine Stakes (1200m). (photos Grant Courtney)
She credited Mornington-based trainer Michael Mehegan
Ridden by Jake Noonan, Prussian Vixen clung to a desperate half-head advantage over the favourite Silent Sedition with Ameristralia a half-length away third.
Just back from suspension, Noonan did it tough to make the 55kgs.
"Thank goodness it was worth it, Noonan said.
"Michael promised me a 24th birthday present and he rewarded me here.
"He's (Mehegan) been nervous all week and I had to contain him a bit in the mounting yard, I just said let's go out and do our thing.
"She's in terrific form and every time we've raised the bar on her she's always stepped up.
"This was a classy race today, I know they are not 1200 metre horses but they are classy animals. For her to do all the work and hold them off late – good on Michael she's earned over $200,000 in
In contrast to what Noonan said, Mehegan seemed relatively composed following his milestone victory.
"I thought I'd be more nervous today that what I was," Mehegan said.
"This preparation, every time we've stepped her up, she's improved.
"Last preparation she kept tying up and had a joint problem, but this prep we gave her a good spell and
"She might not be the
Mehegan said he had considered a trip across
"We looked at Tassie but decided to come here.
"It's turned out perfectly."
Prussian Vixen advances her record to 6 wins, 4 seconds and 2 thirds from 21 starts with earnings of $294,440
Bred by her trainer, Prussian Vixen is the first foal of the Lion Hunter mare Miss Eileen whose own career on the track was a study in persistence and hope.
Miss Eileen was lining up for her 30th race start over four seasons when she broke her maiden at Wodonga in September 2008.
She had given some hope by placing 12 times before her breakthrough. She went on to win another two races in her six seasons on the track compiling a record of 3 wins and 14 places from 47 starts with earnings of $48,671.
In 2012 Prussian Vixen was one of 31 live foals by the Anabaa stallion King Of Prussia.
That was the biggest crop by the stakes-winning half-brother to Hoystar, Sportsman and Prisoner of Love for the last 10 years.
Like Primus, King Of Prussia covered six mares in 2016 the same number he covered in 2015 and 2013at Greta West Stud.
Miss Eileen has an unraced colt by Keep The Faith named Demon Hunter. Not covered in 2013, Miss Eileen had a Keep The Faith foal that was born dead. There has been no report on her mating with Keep The Faith in 2015.
