Outside of the $1million Group I ATC Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick on Saturday, the richest race on the program was the $500,000 ATC Silver Eagle (1300m) and it was won by four year-old Star Witness gelding Aim.
The first three horses home in this race are exempt from ballot for the $7.5 million Golden Eagle (1500m) on October 30 so there was much interest in the result.
The Peter and Paul Snowden trained Aim scored a lucrative win in the $2million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) back in January and has now earned himself another shot at a big pay day with a well timed short head win over Ellsberg and Count de Rupee at his first run back from a spell.
Aim has the overall record of four wins from 16 starts with prizemoney of $1.6million, but has never won beyond 1400m.
"We're getting into unchartered territory with him as far as the distance goes,'' said Paul Snowden said.
"But I suppose we have to really think about it. He's in the race, he's qualified now and it's certainly going to be interesting."
Aim was purchased by China Horse Club and Newgate Bloodstock for $200,000 out of the Newhaven Park draft at the 2019 Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
He was bred by B2B Bloodstock and is the second foal and first winner for well bred import Vintage Strike (USA), a winning half-sister by Smart Strike to Group II winners Friesan Fire and Villermont from Aussie Group I winner Bollinger, a daughter of Golden Slipper winner Bint Marscay.
Vintage Strike has foaled this spring producing a colt by Toronado (IRE).
Aim is one of 21 stakes-winner for Widden Stud’s Star Witness, who transferred to their Victorian base this spring and stands at a fee of $16,500.
