Blue-blooded Deep Impact mares Reaching and Miss Japan were both last start winners and well fancied to keep up the good work in the opening race at Newcastle on Cup Day, but were relegated into the minor placings by progressive Pride of Dubai colt Street Dancer.
Trained by Anthony Cummings, Street Dancer did plenty wrong when unplaced last start in the Group III ATC Ming Dynasty won by Holyfield, but appreciated a step up in distance to 1850m and a drop in class to shake off maiden status.
Street Dancer led all the way for Regan Bayliss to win by three-quarters of a length over Alinghi’s daughter Reaching, who tried her heart out.
A $220,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Coolmore draft for Anthony Cummings Tbreds/Colm Santry Bstock, Street Dancer was originally a $210,000 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale purchase for James Bester Bloodstock.
Street Dancer is obviously held in good regard as Anthony Cummings also purchased his full sister for $250,000 at Magic Millions this year.
Street Dancer is a half-brother to Group III place Feels Like Home and is the fifth winner from stakes-winner Danehill Smile.
Street Dancer is the fifth Australian winner this season for Coolmore’s reigning Champion First Season Sire Pride of Dubai.