First to salute was the Gerald Ryan trained Redoute's Choice colt Pipeline, a
$575,000 Magic Millions purchase for Stallion Racing / Jadeskye Racing from the
draft of renowned South Australian nursery Mill Park.Well educated with three trials under his belt, Pipeline was surprisingly easy in the market starting at $11, but delivered a very likable performance.
Despite covering ground in the run from a wide gate under Tim Clark, Pipeline was super strong to the line and scored a short head win in the 1100 metre maiden.
His trainer was surprised the colt had been overlooked by punters.
"We thought he could win, although I did wonder if the 1100 here might be a bit short for him," Ryan said.
"He was caught wide, but was too good."
Bred by Mill Park and Mills Thoroughbred Breeding, Pipeline is the second foal and second winner for Group II AJC Villiers Stakes winner Dances on Waves, who was also trained by Ryan.
Mill Park sold the current yearling from Dances on Waves, a colt by Street Cry (IRE) for $725,000 at Magic Millions this year to China Horse Club / Winstar Farm.
A royally bred half-sister by Anabaa (USA) to the dam of four-time Group I winner Preferment, Dances on Waves has a weanling colt by Snitzel and will foal to him again this spring.
Running slightly slower time in the fillies division of the juvenile maiden was the John O'Shea trained Lonhro filly Precautions, a half-sister to stakes-winner Knoydart from Group I STC Coolmore Classic winner Regal Cheer.
She found the line well to score in a blanket finish for Tim Clark in what appeared a strong field.
Regal Cheer was bought off the track as a broodmare by Darley back in 2007 for $900,000 at the Inglis Broodmare Sale and has produced five foals to race and all have won.
Regal Cheer has a Sepoy weanling filly, but unfortunately missed to Brazen Beau last year.
