An $11,000 bargain buy for trainer Adam Trinder at the 2017 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale, Mystic Journey made it six straight wins as she beat home two homebreds raced by the powerful Godolphin operation.
Originally outside the field after public voting concluded, Mystic Journey earned a wildcard for the $5 million All-Star Mile following a sensational win in the recent Group One Australian Guineas at Flemington.
Trinder was blown away with the win and suggested the Cox Plate in October would be the main aim for the horse affectionately known by connections and fans as “Betty.”
“The Group One was the pinnacle a fortnight ago, but to win the richest mile race in the world with her just a fortnight later was amazing.”
“She’s a filly on an upward spiral and we don’t know where the bottom of her is – we’ll protect her and look after her and she might be able to take over the mantle of Winx.”
“I don’t think we’re anywhere near the base of her yet. As I’ve stated before, every time we race her she is better than her last race. She blended in today three deep with no cover today and was galloping all the way to the line.”
“To move forward to a mile and a quarter will give us great confidence moving into the spring. It’s terribly exciting – everyone at home has done such a tremendous job – Leah and all the staff. It’s not about one person, it’s a big team effort.”
Owner Wayne Roser, a long time supporter of the Trinder stable and the Tasmanian Yearling Sale, said the result was a fairytale and he said connections wouldn’t be frightened clashing with any horse in the country.
“It’s just unbelievable,” a proud Roser said. “She gives 110 per cent every time she races and today was no exception.”
“She was three wide and she still finished it off like she does. It’s surreal – you can’t get any better than this.”
“The main race this prep was the Australian Guineas. We wanted to get in this race on ability. She finished off in today’s race like she did in the Australian Guineas.”
The win continued the great partnership between Mystic Journey and regular rider Anthony Darmanin. Last start they teamed up to win their first Group Ones. The world now looks their oyster.
“I just cannot believe it,” an emotional Darmanin told Racing.com moments after the race. “I just can’t thank Adam and the owner enough – it’s just unbelievable.”
“She just travelled so sweet in the run,” he added. “I thought I was going to get there too early but she’s so gutsy.”
A daughter of exciting young Armidale Stud sire Needs Further, Mystic Journey is a winner of 10 of her 13 starts and her earnings have raced past $3.2 million.
She was sold on behalf of her breeders by Armidale Stud and is a three quarter relation to this season’s champion Tasmanian juvenile Mystical Pursuit. That youngster also by Needs Further races in the same colours for Roser and Trinder.
Winner: Mystic Journey
Breeding: Needs Further-White Gold (Colombia)
Race: $5 million All-Star Mile (1600m)
Sold for: $11,000
Sale: 2017 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale
Vendor: Armidale Stud (As Agent)
Buyer: Adam Trinder
Earnings: $3,262,600
Owner(s): WG Roser
Trainer: Adam Trinder (Spreyton)
