Stratum youngster Bush Aviator made the best possible start to his racetrack career with a comprehensive win in today’s $100,000 listed Elwick Stakes (1100m) at Hobart.
Sent down to the Apple Isle by Danny O’Brien for his track debut, Bush Aviator sat on the speed throughout and accelerated nicely when asked by Jamie Mott to win handsomely.
A $2 favourite with the satchel swingers, Bush Aviator finished full of running – drawing clear of the early avourite Testa Gee Gee to win by a widening two and a quarter length margin.
Western Hero was third, a further three and a quarter lengths back, while the well fancied local Kenjorwood did his best work late after missing the start.
Bush Aviator was yet to trial in public and was scratched when accepted last October for the Debutants Stakes – won by Blue Diamond fancy Jimando.
And the exciting youngster could well have his next run in Melbourne’s premier juvenile race – the $1 million Blue Diamond Stakes – he holds an entry and is now into $41 with bookies.
The colt, a stunning chestnut, is raced by Alan and Jennifer Acton from Rockhampton after they purchased him for $140,000 at last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
The youngster was a member of the Widden Stud draft and with today’s win he pocketed connections a cool $60,000.
Bush Aviator is by the former outstanding Magic Millions graduate and Golden Slipper winner Stratum and is now the sire of 10 individual stakes winners.
His dam, the Geiger Counter mare Sister Patricia, was an outstanding racemare in Perth having won eight races and earned almost $400,000.
She won a Group Three RJ Peters Stakes and listed Boulder Cup at Kalgoorlie and was second in a Group One Railway Stakes.
Winner: Bush Aviator
Breeding: Stratum-Sister Patricia (Geiger Counter)
Race: TRC Elwick Stakes LR (1100m)
Sold for: $140,000
Sale: 2011 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Widden Stud (As Agent)
Buyer: Alan Acton
Earnings: $60,000
Owner(s): Mr AJ & Mrs JC Acton
Trainer: Danny O’Brien (Flemington)