The $500,000 BRC Magic Millions National Classic (1600m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday carried plenty of prizemoney although no Black Type, but still attracted a quality field of mares with victory going to 4YO Zoustar mare Kiku, a full sister to Group I VRC Newmarket Handicap winner Zoutori.
Winner of the Group III ATC Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) as a 3YO, the Chris Waller trained Kiku had not won a race since then, however has racked up numerous stakes placings so was overdue to return to the winner’s list.
Ridden a treat by James McDonald, the Star Thoroughbreds owned mare finished with a well-timed run along the inside to lead home a first four for her champion trainer beating Nudge, Atishu and Our Intrigue.
“They did a good job,” said Chris Waller of his first four.
“It was lovely and you see these prizemoney races popping up everywhere and it is a half-million dollar race.
"I think a couple of them will freshen up and go to the Tatts Tiara. For the 1400 metres they'll need to be fresh. I think there is a 2100 metre listed race that day so we might take two to that race and two to the Tatts Tiara."
A $300,000 Magic Millions purchase for Star Thoroughbreds from the Amarina Farm draft, Kiku has the overall record of five wins and nine placings from 20 starts with prizemoney in excess of $785,000.
She was bred by Frank Meduri and is the second winner from Atotori, a half-sister by Haradasun to Group III winner Castlethorpe from an international family that includes Epsom Derby winner and sire New Approach.
Atotori died in 2020 and her last foal is 2YO Divine Prophet filly Kamitori, who has been placed at her only to starts to date.
Kiku is another quality mare by Widden Stud’s champion sire Zoustar, who has had a benchmark year in the sale ring producing Australia’s most expensive yearling and weanling sold in 2022.
His colt from Solar Charged topped Inglis Easter selling for $3million and his filly from Members Joy topped the Magic Millions National Weanling Sale selling for $750,000.
