There was obviously a wrap on this Written Tycoon three year-old and after three “duck eggs” from three starts the penny looks to have dropped after the gelding gear change.
Never Never River started second favourite on debut back in March off some strong trial wins but despite missing a place in a six horse field on that occasion was sent into the Gr.3 Kindergarten Stakes next outing.
He again failed on a heavy track but the fact the Ryan/Alexiou stable had sent him that way suggested he was showing something.
Then there was another failure in a Kembla maiden, a spell, and a gelding operation.
33 weeks later there was confidence in the market and he never looked in any real danger of losing at Canterbury when having his first run as a three year-old.
Tim Clark always looked like he felt the race was in control although Never Never River was still a touch unsure putting the issue beyond doubt so racecraft improvement is still there.
For his sire it was a quarter of a good day with a double at Moonee Valley (Yulong Command, Rock Tycoon) and a winner at Geelong with Sensationalisation.
Written Tycoon has 45 for sale at Magic Millions Gold Coast, six at Inglis Classic and two at Karaka Book 1.
Never Never River’s dam Best Yet To Come (Econsul) has a two-year-old filly by Zoustar that was withdrawn from the Inglis Premier Sale and a yearling filly by Written Tycoon.
