Widden Stud’s young Written Tycoon son Dirty Work had an impressive debut winner on Wednesday for the Phillip Stokes stable.
Dispatched to Sale for an 1100m maiden, Ground Control was a short priced favourite and won like a favourite should, skipping clear to win by nearly three lengths with Joe Bowditch in the saddle.
“We weren't expecting to lead, but I left it up to Joe. He rode it a treat, got to the front, controlled the race and kicked,” said Phillip Stokes.
“Still very raw. He was lost out there in front, but he couldn't have been any more impressive and I’m really happy to get a win for this ownership group. They've been with me a long time and some good friends in the horse.
“I think he would be better when he can get a sit with cover, but he's shown us a nice turn of foot.
“He couldn't have been any more impressive and I’m really rapt for Joe. He's put a lot of time into this horse and it's rewarded him.
“We just wanted him to come here and have a good day out and he's gone better than expected, so that's always good. We'll just see how he pulls up and we'll go from there.”
Ground Control was an $85,000 Magic Millions purchase from Riversdale for Phillip Stokes Racing/Connolly Bloodstock and is the second winner from Star Player, a winning half-sister by Foreplay to stakes-winner River’s Lane.
Ground Control is the fourth winner for Dirty Work, who stands at Widden Victoria at a fee of $13,200 this spring.
