Stakes-placed
at his first two starts, exciting Zoustar colt Sun City cast off maiden status
with a powerful win in the Group III BRC BJ McLachlan Stakes(1200m) at Doomben
securing his place in the $2million Magic Millions 2YO Classic next month.
Prepared by Tony McEvoy, who won the 2018 Magic Millions 2YO Classic with
Zoustar filly Sunlight, Sun City was partnered by James McDonald and showed the
benefit of race experience to post a long neck win over strong finishing Pierro
colt Rome, last seen finishing fourth in the Group III TC Breeders Plate back
in the spring.
Rome will be improved by the run, but may find himself on the borderline to
gain a start in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic, while Sun City can now shoot
the breeze for the next two weeks with his place at the Gold Coast assured.
"He was fabulous, he improved off the run the other day and he'll be as
good as he can be in a couple of weeks," said Tony McEvoy.
Winning rider James McDonald was delighted with Sun City.
"He's a sharp colt, but he relaxed well," he said.
"Race experience can be the key in these types of races, they are hard to beat."
A $525,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Attunga Stud draft for McEvoy
Mitchell Racing/David Redvers Bstock, Sun City runs for a syndicate headed by
Qatar Bloodstock in whose colours he runs.
A half-brother to Group II placed Spin, Sun City is the second winner from
stakes-winning Flying Spur mare Roulettes, a half-sister to Group III winner
Royal Discretion.
Roulettes has a yearling filly by I Am Invincible and produced a colt this year
by Deep Field.
Sun City is the seventh stakes-winner for Widden Stud's Zoustar and is the
fourth to carry a double cross of Danehill, a significant fact to consider when
appraising yearling pedigrees.