Tycoon Star looked like the consummate professional when making a winning career debut in the Group III Darley Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) to kickstart Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington.
Ridden by Michael Dee for Ben, Will, and JD Hayes, the 2-year-old son of Written Tycoon burst through the centre of the pack at the 200m to defeat the cosmic Force colt Bacash by a length with a nose back to the Spirit Of Boom colt Shining Smile in third.
“As soon as I got on him, he was very composed, he was relaxed, he took everything in his stride and he was super professional,” Dee said.
“Before the gates opened I knew just in his demeanour that he was going to be running a good race. He travelled nicely in behind them and took a gap and we hit the front quite early and he was good to the line so I was very happy.”
“He's definitely a nice natural colt, he does everything right and I'm sure he’ll just keep progressing in the right direction providing he pulls up well and stays composed as he was today.
“The track is in beautiful condition; there's plenty of give. It probably doesn't matter where you are, really, but as for the horse, he's ultra-professional, took a gap in the straight and won very well in the end.”
Ben
“It's the best result we could have asked for. I thought it was a very good effort by our horse,” Hayes said.
He jumped, he travelled well, and did everything correctly.
“I was saying before the race, he’s a very professional horse and that's what he brought today.
“It's a big thrill and it's a great way to start the day.”
“If you're winning this race, you can normally be very competitive in races like the Blue Diamond.
“(We’ve got) good supporters in Yulong. They're having a fantastic carnival and I‘m glad we can keep their success going.”
A $350,000 purchase for Yu Long Investments when offered by Milburn Creek Thoroughbreds at the National Weanling Sale, Tycoon Star was sold to Lindsay Park Racing for $400,000 when consigned by Yulong to the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Tycoon Star is the first foal of the tough racemare Miss Iano (Equiano), who won eight and placed in seven of 42 starts, including a third behind Tofane and Pippie in the Group III Furphy Sprint.
James Bester Bloodstock shelled out $280,000 for Miss Iano’s Home Affairs colt at the 2024 Gold Coast National Weanling Sale.
Purchased for $310,000 by the Yulong-inspired Panthalassa Syndicate at the 2024 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale, Miss Iano visited Written Tycoon last spring.
Tycoon Star is the 67th black-type winner for Yulong’s flagship stallion, Written Tycoon.