Newhaven Park’s exciting young sire Xtravagant made a perfect start to the new season when siring his first stakes-winner with talented gelding He’s Xceptional resuming from a spell to win the Listed MVRC McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
Trained by Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, He’s Xceptional became the first winner for his sire when taking out a Cranbourne maiden in March and finished his two year-old season with a fifth in the Group III SAJC Breeders Stakes.
Easy in the market for his return, He’s Xceptional was always in contention in a fast run race and hit the line hard for Daniel Moore to win by half a neck over Jigsaw with race favourite Hilal a disappointing fifth.
“I’ve always had a bit of time for this horse as he’s been quite progressive and I thought he was under-rated in this field and he showed it at the finish,” said Daniel Moor.
Bred by Seymour Bloodstock, He's Xceptional was purchased by Clarke Bloodstock for $40,000 out of the Newhaven Park Stud draft at Inglis Classic and has the overall record of two wins and two seconds from six starts with prizemoney in excess of $166,000.
He is the best of three winners from Sebring mare She’s a Danica, a half-sister to Group III placed Into Orbit and grand-daughter of Group I winner and Champion NZ 2YO Ballroom Babe.
A full-sister to He's Xceptional was purchased by McEvoy Mitchell / Belmont Bloodstock (FBAA) or $150,000 at this year’s Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.
After missing in 2019, She’s a Danica visited Xtravagant again last spring.
An outstanding sprinter/miler, Xtravagant won the Group INew Zealand 2000 Guineas by eight and a half lengths in record time and the Group I Waikato Sprint by a similar margin.
The son of Pentire (GB) was crowned Champion 3YO Colt in New Zealand and was the highest rate 3YO in New Zealand since the mighty Bonecrusher.
Xtravagant stands at Newhaven Park this spring at a fee of $11,000.
