Aaron Mills’ top three to follow from Belmont

Aaron Mills - Monday September 11

I've selected a few obscure runners for the black book in the hope of striking some nice prices when they next step out.

PATROCITY
I thought this maiden galloper's effort to finish runner-up was excellent. A Hec McLaren-trained gelding, Patrocity is still a maiden after four starts but has done enough in two starts back from a spell to suggest his turn will come soon. In a slowly-run race the son of Patronize was back last before peeling widest into the straight, rattling off the best closing 600-metre sectional to get within a length of odds-on favourite Money Maher near the line. Suited by a rise to 1400 metres and will be much harder to hold out with better speed on up front.
Career record (4:0-2-0)
Race to look for – 3YO or maiden 1400m

AGACHAR CRUZ
Here's one we can sink our teeth into at likely good odds next time he steps out. This otherwise reliable gelding hadn't done much this time in work although it can be argued he also has not had much go his way. Stepping out for new trainer Ashley Maley on Saturday, Agachar Cruz ended up back last on the rail contrary to his usual racing pattern. Seeking inside runs on the turn as the leaders skipped away, Agachar Cruz caught the eye making good ground late over the short course. I'm expecting the trainer to have learned plenty about his new charge after that run and it won't surprise to see the gelding camp right on the speed next time around. With those seemingly poor results to his name the price should be right.
Career record (30:7-3-1)
Race to look for – Benchmark 72+ 1000-1200m

UNIVERSAL LAW
This Peters-owned, Durrant-trained gelding might be getting back into winning form after a much better effort on the weekend. Terrible in two starts since resuming but the trainer tinkered with gear leading into Saturday's assignment and it appeared to do the trick, with Universal Law working home solidly against the pattern to finish sixth in a leader-dominated race. He should now be rock-hard fit fourth-up and it can't be ignored that a jockey by the name of William Pike has been up top for all five of his career victories with all but one coming at the spacious Belmont circuit. I'll be loading up if The Wizard jumps back aboard in the coming weeks.
Career record (21:5-3-4)
Race to look for – Benchmark 72+ 1600m

Advertisment
More Reading...
Vinery Sell $900,000 I Am Invincible Filly
Vinery Stud have done a mighty job meeting the market at this sale and heading through Friday afternoon are batting at 100% clearance and they were well rewarded on Friday when selling a gorgeous I Am Invincible filly from Group III placed all Too Hard mare Saas Fee for $900,000.
Pierro 3YO Looking for Stakes Break Through Win
Potential Group One contender Golden Century will have his chance to shine on Sunday when he steps up to a middle distance on a roomier track.
Star Turn's Singapore Sprint Star Ready for Kiwi Debut
Stephen Gray experienced plenty of highs with Silent Is Gold when training in Singapore, and he is excited to begin a new chapter with the gelding when he makes his New Zealand debut in the JR & N Berkett 1100 at Trentham on Saturday.
TBA and Aushorse engage recruitment firm for CEO search
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) and Aushorse have engaged leading recruitment firm u&u to help find their new chief executive, after incumbent Tom Reilly was appointed to run the Melbourne Racing Club.
Quest for Oaks Filly Ends with $900,00 Frankel Filly
When you have a client that has his heart set on finding an Oaks filly, Magic Millions at the Gold Coast in January might be seen as offering slim pickings, but astute bloodstock agent Damon Gabbedy of Belmont Bloodstock has filled the brief with a glorious filly by one of Europe’s best stallions in Frankel.
$425,000 Nicconi Filly a Pinhook Winner for Lime Country
Widden Stud’s value stallion Nicconi is best known as the sire of the world’s best sprinter Nature Strip and while he might not be the height of fashion in commercial terms, he is a rock solid sire and delivered a big result for Lime Country Thoroughbreds at Magic Millions on Friday when his filly from No Crying sold for $425,000.
The Male Version of Outback Barbie – Ken Sells for $575,000
Eureka Stud’s Spirit of Boom is the leading two year-old sire in the country right now by winners and earnings with four runners in this Saturday’s Magic Millions 2YO Classic including the top fancy La Bella Boom and he had a big result at Magic Millions on Friday when the full brother to former star Queensland mare Outback Barbie sold for $575,000.
Almanzor Mare Gets G1 Opportunity from Te Akau
Classy mare Campionessa has flown the flag for Te Akau Racing at the top level for a number of years, but on Saturday at Trentham, her younger stablemate Qali Al Farrasha will get her time to shine contesting the Gr.1 Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m).
Good Judges Land on $700,000 Ole Kirk Colt
Vinery Stud’s Ole Kirk has already sired two stakes-winners from his first crop of two year-olds in ill-fated King Kirk and O’ Ole, who runs in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on Saturday, and the son of Written Tycoon had a sales highlight at the Gold Coast on Friday when his colt from Pop Girl made $700,000.
$625,000 I Am Invincible Colt Sold by Widden
Widden Stud’s investment in elite mares has been paying off in the sale ring this week at Magic Millions with an I Am Invincible colt from Nomothaj capturing the attention of one of the big stallion syndicates on Friday morning.