Sizzling capped a stunning winter campaign with a thrilling victory in today’s Group One TJ Smith Stakes (1600m) at Eagle Farm.

Prepared at the track by veteran horseman Kelso Wood, Sizzling was sent out the hot favourite after three unbeaten stakes wins this campaign.

With his regular rider Chris Munce in the saddle, Sizzling was able to wear down the Sydney visitor Kabayan to win by a short head in a driving finish.

“He doesn’t lie down,” a relieved Kelso Wood said half the short head victory. “I was a bit worried about a hundred (metres) out.”

“I didn’t think he was going to get there, but he put in and did it. He really dug deep.”

“He’s quite a marvellous horse really. He’s got a great disposition and it’s a pleasure to train a horse like him.”

Sizzling was sent out the odds on favourite after a string of wins in lead up races – the Ken Russell Memorial at the Gold Coast, the Champagne Classic at Doomben and last start in the Sires’ Produce Stakes at Eagle Farm.

Wood said he wouldn’t rush a decision as to what future ambitions for Sizzling would be – but he suggested a trip to Melbourne for the Spring Carnival was certainly on the cards.

“We’ll sit down and have a good talk about which way we’ll go. He’ll have a break now.”

The outstanding colt boasts the impressive record of five wins and two minor placings from just eight starts and his earnings have raced to almost $800,000. His stud value also was given a tremendous boost with today’s success.

He was purchased on behalf of connections by leading bloodstock agent John Foote for $260,000 at last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Bred by John Muir’s Milburn Creek Thoroughbred Stud, Sizzling was sold for him through the draft of Evergreen Stud Farm at the famous Gold Coast sales complex.

The first Group One winner for former star Magic Millions graduate Snitzel, Sizzling is from a stakes performed daughter of another star Magic Millions graduate, former top sire General Nediym.

Admirelle, as his dam is known, was a winner at two and earned black type when third in a listed Keith Mackay Handicap.

Admirelle is a daughter of the Flemington stakes winning Alzao mare Laudemio.

Interestingly Sizzling and today’s other juvenile stakes winner at Eagle Farm, Hoss Amor, share the same third dam – the Sydney winning Without Fear mare Estate Label.

Winner: Sizzling
Breeding: Snitzel-Admirelle (General Nediym)
Race: BRC TJ Smith Stakes G1 (1600m)
Sold for: $260,000
Sale: 2011 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Evergreen Stud Farm (As Agent for Milburn Creek Thoroughbred Stud)
Buyer: John Foote Bloodstock
Earnings: $797,500
Owner(s): DHT Devine, Mrs DM Devine, MC Power, Mrs DM Power, N Morgan, Mrs JG Morgan & L Matthews
Trainer: Kelso Wood (Eagle Farm)