A class 1 over 1400m at Newcastle on Tuesday with just six runners was fought out by a pair of three-year-olds with stakes ambitions.
The Michael Freedman-trained Astern colt Backrower went off a short-priced favourite and duly got the job done, although he found a willing opponent in the progressive Extreme Choice filly Wollombi.
Given a positive ride by Tommy Berry, Backrower took the early lead from an inside barrier before handing up to Russian Ruble.
After battling past Russian Ruble, Backrower came under threat from Sam Clipperton on Wollombi, who could get no closer than a long head on the line.
Rubick gelding Russian Ruble was two and a quarter lengths back in third.
Backrower was a Breednet One to Watch when making a winning debut over 1200m at Newcastle on May 14.
Three weeks later, he finished third behind Osipenko at Rosehill. That son of Pierro franked the form when running last Saturday’s Up And Coming Stakes winner Kabou to three-quarter of a length over 1400m at Rosehill.
Backrower had little luck at his previous start over 1300m at Rosehill when edged out by the promising Almanzor (FR) colt Manzoice when conceding him 4kgs.
Tommy Berry believes the best will be seen from Backrower next preparation.
“He is a lovely horse, but he felt a little flat today,” Berry said.
“He might be coming to the end of the prep.
“He still has a lot to learn. I think he will be a really nice horse in the autumn.
“It’s up to the team whether they want to press on with him, but I don’t think we saw the best of him today.
“I probably had him out of his comfort zone, but he seemed flat.
“He might not be at his best now, but keep an eye on him in the autumn because they will have a lot of fun with him.”
Bred by Tony Carusi, Backrowr has a bit to live up to, being a half-brother to the courageous Le Romain.
A triple Group 1 winner Le Romain (Hard Spun), banked $4,306,775.
A $200,000 Inglis Easter purchase for his trainer from the Edinglassie Stud draft, Backrower was the highest priced colt by Astern sold in 2021.
From a prolific Woodlands family, Backrower is the fourth winner from Mignard, a winning Strategic mare whose stakes-placed dam Mielleuse (Night Shift) is a three-quarter sister to the dam of Group 1 Caulfield Guineas winner Long John.
Bahen Bloodstock / Lees Racing had the final say at $300,000 for a Mignard’s Justify (USA) filly consigned by Longwood Thoroughbred Farm at Inglis Easter this year.
He is the fourth winner from Mignard, a winning Strategic mare whose yearling filly by Justify (USA) was offered at Inglis Easter this year by Longwood Thoroughbred Farm and sold for $300,000 to Bahen Bloodstock / Lees Racing.
Mignard is back in foal to the Triple Crown winner.
