In 2003 Yulong splashed out for nineteen yearlings by its flagship stallion, Written Tycoon, one of which was Althoff, who broke his maiden in Saturday's Group III TAB Ken Russell Memorial Classic (1200m) at the Sunshine Coast.
Ridden by James McDonald for Chris Waller, Althoff did best in a slogging finish to defeat the brave D'argento gelding Silva 'N' Suave by a long head with the Better Than Ready colt Gin A Tonic a short-head back in third.
Althoff was making his second start after finishing second on debut at Rosehill on April 27.
Waller's Qld stable foreman Brett Killion said Althoff would likely target the BRC Sires' Produce Stakes.
"He’s a lovely little colt. He’s very laid-back, so I wasn’t too sure what to expect from him,” Killion said
They’ve put the blinkers on him and he put himself in the race and he travelled great. I don’t know if he just got lost a bit in front or just tired late, but he did enough.
“He was on the bit a long way and cruised up. And provided he pulls up well he’ll probably head on to the Sires’ (BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes) I think.
“He does everything you need him to do. He switches off and he’s got a lovely turn of foot.”
James McDonald said the son of Written Tycoon is a little professional.
“He’s got a beautiful action. He got through the ground OK because he’s obviously won,” McDonald said.
“Dare I say he’s got a real fluent action so anything on top of the ground will be up his alley. But he’s a very talented horse, very well educated and he did everything well today.
“That’s testing work so you need a good constitution, and he’s tough. It bodes well for the future.”
A $500,000 purchase for Yulong from the Arrowfield Stud draft at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Althoff is the sixth winner from as many to race from the Magnus mare Miss St Tropez.
A half-sister to multiple Group II winner Don’t Doubt Mama and Listed winner Risen Fron Doubt, Althoff hails from the Jois Denise branch of Denise’s Joy.
Ken Keys Racing shelled out $80,000 for a Maurice (JPN) colt from Miss St Tropez consigned by Arrowfield to the 2024 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
Miss St Tropez visited Admire Mars (JPN) last spring, having not been covered in 2022.
Altoff is the 63rd stakes-winner for Yulong Stud’s Written Tycoon, who looks a lock for Champion 2yo Sire.
