News

The Mikado Lands $50,000 Bonus

16th Jul 2009

The Tim Martin trained bargain buy The Mikado became the latest beneficiary of the Inglis Race Series when picking up the $50,000 Bonus in today's Southern Cross Ten 2YO Plate at Grafton.

In a pleasing result for the Clarence River Jockey Club, the race attracted a capacity field and the three placegetters are now likely to be aimed at better races in the coming weeks.

THE MIKADO ($25,000 2008 Easter, 2c Danehill Dancer-Lirico) carried impeccable form into the 1200m race, having finished runner up behind subsequent Group 1 winner Manhattan Rain in the G3 Skyline Stakes during his first preparation.

After a first up second on Heavy going at Canterbury, The Mikado relished the firmer footing at Grafton and won in the style of a horse destined to measure up in stakes grade.

The colt is another perfect illustration of the value across all levels at the Australian Easter yearling Sale, which once again finished as the Southern Hemisphere's leading source of Group 1 winners in 2008-09.

Offered by Coolmore Stud, The Mikado was the cheapest yearling sold at Easter (Part 1) in 2008, costing just $25,000. Today's prizemoney takes his earnings to just short of the $100,000 mark from his first five starts.

His winning time of 1:9.44 wasn't far off the 1:9.14 clocked by the outstanding prospect BATTLEFIELD ($300,000 2007 Premier, 3g Choisir-Charming Charge) in winning yesterday's Listed Ramornie.

The Mikado is a grandson of the G1 1000 Guineas winner Princess Talaria, from a family that includes stakes winners like Royal Purler (G1 Flight Stakes), Silver Flyer, Mustard, Tropical Affair, Matras and the stakes placed Ashikaga.

Martin is now likely to aim the colt towards the Group 1 Golden Rose in the coming weeks.

In an all Inglis finish, The Mikado staved off the challenge of this season's $250,000 Inglis Classic winner Fear No Other ($50,000 2008 Classic) and the previously unbeaten Sweepstaking ($80,000 2008 Premier).

Today's $50,000 Bonus is a timely reminder for connections wishing to nominate their 2009 yearling graduate for the $2.5M Inglis Race Series.

Nominations Close on July 31 and Entry forms can be downloaded Here

The next race in the series for 2008 graduates will be a $100,000 3YO Bonus at Rosehill on August 1.