Two exciting two-year-old features at Muswellbrook on Friday fell to debutants whose breeding suggests better days ahead.
The Scone Equine Hospital Star Kingdom Hcp (1000m) for colts and gelding was won by the Capitalist colt Metalic Ruler.
A $210,000 purchase for Sam Kavanagh Racing/Still Point Equine from the Newgate Farm draft at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Metalic Ruler defeated New Pharoah (American Pharoah) by a half-length with Edited By (Written by) three-quarters of a length back in third.
Trained by Sam Kavanagh, Metallic Ruler is a half-brother to the consistent Ferrari Man (Menari). He is the second winner from as many to race for the stakes-winning Mizzen Mast mare Iron Mizz (USA).
Star Thoroughbreds / Randwick Bloodstock Agency (FBAA) purchased a Tassort half-sister to Metallic Ruler for $100,000 at the 2023 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
The fillies division, the Arrowfield Miss Finland Hcp (1000m), proved the perfect spot for the Michael Freedman-trained Hip Hip Hurrah.
The daughter of Snitzel defeated the Press Statement filly Altisima by a half-length, with the Bangetta a further one and a half lengths back in third.
Hip Hip Hurrah continues the wonderful season for her owner/breeder Sir Owen Glenn. She is the first and only foal for Sir Owen's Group II ATC Percy Sykes Stakes and Group II Tatt's NSW Furious Stakes winner Pure Elation. The daughter of I Am Invincible was a $320,000 purchase for Paul Moroney Bloodstock from the Swettenham Stud draft at the 2017 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.