Star Witness's Aim Scores Jaw Dropping Win at Randwick

Mark Smith - Saturday December 21

The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Aim was promoted to the top line of betting for the $2 million Magic Millions 2yo Classic after keeping his record at a perfect two for two following his runaway win in Saturday’s Tab Venue Mode Hcp (1200m) at Randwick.

The son of Star Witness was last early as Hinchbeast cut out fast sectionals in front. But he tracked up along the rail with little urging by Tommy Berry and by the time they came to the home straight Aim was in a challenging position and looking for some clear air.Home alone - Aim wins by a space image Steve Hart

When it came, Aim put the race to bed in a matter of strides, putting four lengths on his stablemate Stellar Pauline (Not A Single Doubt) with Hinchbeast (Hinchinbrook) a further three lengths back in third.

Bookmakers have had a change of heart over Aim’s debut win in a mid-weeker at Rosehill back on December 11.

They did not rate that form but the horse he beat at Rosehill, Chris Waller’s I Am Invincible colt Blondeau has joined Aim at the top of betting for the Magic Millions 2yo Classic despite not having a run since.

Tommy Berry said Aim possesses all the attributes to be a major contender in the 2yo Classic.

“He’s a horse who has taken everything in his stride. "Pete (Snowden) said it was very important not to chase that speed, just let him get him in his comfort zone even if he's spotting them a start," Berry said.

"He said at the half mile he will drag you into the race and he sure did and I got there way to easy. He's got plenty more in store so bring on the Magic Millions.Aim - Tommy Berry next stop Magic Millions

“He's doing everything effortlessly at the moment, he handles every condition and he can race off the speed.

"There's always plenty of genuine speed in the Magic Millions and it takes a nice horse to come off the speed and beat them but I think he's the one to do it."

Peter Snowden said the son of Star Witness has a great attitude.

"Ability is one thing but if you've got the demeanour to go with it then that takes you a fair way," Snowden said.Aim as a yearling

“The 1200 metres is no problem and I’m confident he will get a deal further later on but it’s good to see him doing that now, it’s very encouraging.  

"I was worried the run wasn't coming but the way he was travelling he made his own run, he pushed into the clear and once he got clear he just extended beautifully and kept going right through the line, so it was a good watch."

Bred by B2B Bloodstock, Aim was purchased by China Horse Club/Newgate Bloodstock for $200,000 out of the Newhaven Stud draft at the Gold Coast.

He is the third foal of the winning Smart Strike mare Vintage Strike (USA) who was one of the foals left in the USA by the Group 1 Coolmore Classic winner Bollinger (Dehere), which also included the Grade II winner Friesan Fire (AP Indy).

Bollinger is herself a daughter of the Golden Slipper winner and great broodmare Bint Marscay.

Repatriated to Australia, Bollinger is the dam of the Group II Sandown Guineas winner Villermont (All Too Hard).

B2B Thoroughbreds are consigning yearlings this year under their own banner and will offer the full brother to Aim as Lot 21 at Magic Millions 2020.

Vintage Strike has also foaled this spring producing a colt by Written Tycoon.

It’s a rare day that Widden Stud’s Star Witness does not have a winner somewhere in Australia and he has strong representation at upcoming sales with 19 yearlings for Magic Millions and 20 for Inglis Classic.

 

Advertisment

Race Result - Tab Venue Mode Hcp 1200m

Randwick Track: Good(4) Time: 1:10.35
1
Aim
- 2c Star Witness (AUS) x Vintage Strike (USA) (Smart Strike (CAN))
Tnr: P & P Snowden Rdr: Tommy Berry 57.5
2
4.0
Stellar Pauline
- 2f Not A Single Doubt (AUS) x Negotiate (AUS) (Red Ransom (USA))
Tnr: P & P Snowden Rdr: K Mc Evoy 55.5
3
7.0
Hinchbeast
- 2c Hinchinbrook (AUS) x Shamrock Slipper (AUS) (Jet Spur (AUS))
Tnr: Bjorn Baker Rdr: J Bowman 58
4
7.2
Jemss
- 2f Exosphere (AUS) x Carbon Tax (AUS) (More Than Ready (USA))
Tnr: David Payne Rdr: J R Collett 54
5
8.4
The Big Easy
- 2c Written Tycoon (AUS) x Sunday Chill (AUS) (Flying Spur (AUS))
Tnr: C Maher & D Eustace Rdr: R Dolan 53.5
6
9.3
Aeecee Power
- 2f Street Boss (USA) x Warrington (AUS) (Fastnet Rock (AUS))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: G Boss 53.5
7
10.1
Narvaez
- 2c Vancouver (AUS) x Headway (AUS) (Charge Forward (AUS))
Tnr: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rdr: Tim Clark 55
8
10.3
Namazu
- 2c Medaglia D'Oro (USA) x Earthquake (AUS) (Exceed And Excel (AUS))
Tnr: James Cummings Rdr: Rachel King 55.5
9
11.9
Brash Sammy
- 2c Statue Of Liberty (USA) x Repour (AUS) (Reset (AUS))
Tnr: J G Sargent Rdr: L Magorrian 55.5
10
12.2
Chilliwack
- 2c Exceed And Excel (AUS) x Raspberries (AUS) (Lonhro (AUS))
Tnr: James Cummings Rdr: N Rawiller 56
11
19.9
Titan Star
- 2c Rubick (AUS) x Sporty Spur (AUS) (Flying Spur (AUS))
Tnr: M F Van Gestel Rdr: Brock Ryan 50
More Reading...
Magic Nick Strikes Again – Fastnet Rock x Galileo
The Fastnet Rock x Galileo nick has been on fire in Melbourne this spring producing Cox Plate winner Via Sistina (IRE) and leading Melbourne Cup contender Buckaroo (GB) and it struck again overnight in the UK with a brand new stakes-winner in Military Academy, who captured the Listed Floodlit Stakes (1m4f) at Kempton.
Coolmore Set Justify Fee for 2025
Coolmore have announced the US fee for Justify in 2025 with the undefeated Triple Crown winner priced at $US250,000 to head  their roster of 16 stallions at Ashford Stud in Kentucky.
Sires With Winners - Monday November 4
Here is the full list of 21 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Antrim Coast to Fly Flag for The Oaks Stud
The well-renowned colours of The Oaks Stud will feature across two feature Trans-Tasman meetings this week, kicking off with Antrim Coast lining up in the Listed Furphy Plate (1800m) on Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington.
Cup Day Stakes-Winner for So You Think
The Listed VRC TAB Trophy (1800m) for three year-olds on Cup Day at Flemington drew a competitive field of up and comers with So You Think gelding Opening Address stamping himself as a bright prospect for the future with a stylish victory.
Storm Boy Headed to Ireland
Coolmore have today announced via Twitter that top class Justify (USA) colt Storm Boy will be continuing his racing career in Ireland in 2025 under the care of Aidan O’Brien.
Tycoon Star Makes Winning Debut in G3 Maribyrnong Plate
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.
Kiwi Bred Grey Wins Subzero for OTI at Flemington
New Zealand-bred gelding Cloudland proved a handful for James McDonald at Flemington on Tuesday, but the champion jockey was in a forgiving mood after they had claimed top honours in the Subzero Handicap.
Melbourne Cup Pedigree Analysis - Do It Yourself
Breednet has produced a great page with click through to five generation pedigrees for all the Melbourne Cup runners, so for amateur pedigree buffs looking to have a Cup flutter based pedigree here’s your chance  to DIY it!
Juvenile Trial Watch – Rosehill
Two heats at the Rosehill trials on Monday morning over 900m and the quickest of those was won by an expensive son of Golden Slipper winning first season sire Farnan.