Six two-year olds lined up for the opening event over 1118m at Geelong on Thursday and it was the two favourites that singled out at the finish.
Made to work to take up the running under Damian Lane, the Xtravagant filly Xtravagant Star battled on courageously to deny the favoured Capitalist colt Eros by a short head with Godolphin’s Hallowed Cron filly Frontenac a further three and a quarter lengths back in third.
Xtravagant Star is trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy whose representative Finn McCarthy said the stable expected a forward showing.
She showed a great turn of foot and was tough to the line,” McCarthy said.
&ldq
“It’s great that she has raced up to the ability she has shown at home.
Damian Lane was impressed by the filly’s toughness.
“I had to do a bit of work early and she did not switch off in the middle stages. It too her until the 600m to switch off and I said sorry girl it’s time to go,” Lane said.
“She did a good job as she worked most of the race and was tough where it counted.
“When the second horse got to her, I thought we were out on our feet, but she had enough in the locker to give me another little bit.
“Other horses could have cracked n the last 50m but she toughed it out.”
A $150,000 purchase for McEvoy Mitchell / Belmont Bloodstock (FBAA) from the draft of Newhaven Park 2021 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, Xtravagant Star is a sister to Listed McKenzie Stakes winner He's Xceptional.
Trained by Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, He's Xceptional had the honour of being the first winner and first stakes-winner for Newhaven Park Stud’s Xtravagant.
Bred by Seymour Bloodstock, Xtravagant Star is the fourth winner from as many foals from the Sebring mare She’s A Danica a three-quarter-sister to Group II Moonee Valley Fillies Classic runner-up Tahni Girl (Sebring) and half-sister to stakes-placed Into Orbit (Northern Meteor).
After missing in 2019, She's A Danica foaled a sister to He's Xceptional and Xtravagant Star and was covered by Fierce Impact (JPN).
Dual Group 1 winner Xtravagant stands at Newhaven Park Stud for a fee of $11,000.
The son of Pentire has two on offer at the Magic Millions and four at the Inglis Classic.
