In a powerful on speed performance, The Mission didn’t give his rivals a look in cruising home to beat the Group One Sires’ Produce Stakes winner Invader by two and a quarter lengths.
A $32,500 bargain buy during the Book Two auction of last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, The Mission led home a 1-2 finish for graduates of the auction.
Jockey Damian Lane rated the colt well out in front and pair cruised home in what turned out a dominant performance.
“He’s a tricky horse to ride,” Lane said. “But I learned a lot from the Sires’ (Produce Stakes).”
“I thought if I could get him into his rhythm out in front they wouldn’t run him down,” Lane added.
The win was especially satisfying for trainer Paul Perry, his first Group One winner sired by former stable star Choisir.
Perry took a shine to the colt at the Gold Coast where he was presented at the auction by Edinglassie Stud and his $32,500 bid on the Sunday of the sale was enough to buy the future Group One star.
“It was a great win,” Perry said. “He’s always shown ability right from his first trial.”
“In his last run in the Sires’ (Produce Stakes) he was a little slow out and he got held up a fair bit and had to race wide.”
“The start before he led and kept boxing on – it was the plan (to lead at a good tempo).”
“Hopefully a race like the Caulfield Guineas will suit him for sure. He’s certainly on his way,” Perry said.
Perry confirmed the colt would head to the paddock for a well deserved break.
The Mission is another successful Magic Millions Racing Women graduate – owned by four ladies – who not surprisingly were all smiles in the winner’s enclosure.
The 11th Group One winner for former globe trotting Australian sprinter Choisir, The Mission is a half brother to the group performed two and three-year-old Smart Amelia.
They, along with another winner Lightning Striker, are from the 100 per cent winner producer My Amelia, a two-year-old winner by Redoute’s Choice.
My Amelia is a daughter of the Champagne Stakes winner Carry on Cutie – a three time winner at two and earner over almost $500,000.
Hoofnote: The Mission’s half sister Smart Amelia ran a credible third in the Group Three James HB Carr Stakes later on the Randwick card.
