The final event on a nine-race card at Bendigo on Thursday proved worth the wait as the progressive Xtravagant gelding Mr News took his record to a perfect two for two in the Bendigo Locksmiths Hcp (1300m).
Ridden by Blake Shinn for Nick Ryan, Mr News went coast to coast in a six-length romp.
In a task made easier by nine scratchings, Mr News put the eight-horse field to the sword. Under a hand ride, the 4yo gelding defeated Let’s Sea (Ocean Park) with a short-half-head back to Palani (Zpouistar in third.
Mr News made an impressive debut at Echuca on July 29. Backed off the map, the son of Xtravagant motored home from midfield.
Stable represented Toby Lake said the gelding is held in high regard.
“He’s pretty special. That will help get his rating up, which can get him into better races,” Lake said.
“Nick has always thought he is a group horse, and he justified that today.
“Every time he has stepped out or done a bit of fast work, a trial, or a race, he keeps improving.
“He led, but that is probably not his go. He pricked his ears the whole way and had a good look. He has plenty of improvement, but I am not sure what we do with him now, but he will be targeted at better races.”
Shinn was also impressed by the lightly raced 4yo.
“I’m rapt to get a winner for Nick. We go back a long way, and he is making a great fist of training,” Shinn said.
“That was an armchair ride, and he was very impressive. He has a great turn of foot and is a highly promising horse. He can go through the grades quickly.”
Bred by Ascot Heath Pty Ltd, Mr News was consigned by Glastonbury Farms to the 2019 Great Southern Weanling Sale but left the ring unsold when bidding halted short of his $40,000 reserve.
A half-brother to dual Group III winner Tuscan Sling (Danehill Dancer) and stakes-placed Arrival (Choisir), Mr News is the 12th foal and eighth winner from as many to race out of the Listed SAJC Walter Brown Stakes winner Firenza.
The daughter of Kenny’s Best Pal is also the dam of the unraced Danehill Dancer mare Single View, who is the dam of the Group III MRC Coongy Handicap and dual Listed Ballarat Cup winner Kiwia (Reset).
Mr News is the penultimate foal of Firenza. Her final foal is a 3yo sister to Mr News named Noted, who is in training with Liam Birchley at the Sunshine Coast.
