Twelve months ago, Open Minded looked a stakes-winner in waiting when running up a sequence of four wins. Still, his large and enthusiastic bunch of owners had to keep the celebrations in check until the Listed John Dillon Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Australia Day.
Given an inspired ride by Damien Thornton, the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained son of Jimmy Choux defeated the in-form American import Lighthouse (USA) (Mizzen Mast) by a half-length with Excelida (Exceed And Excel) the same distance back in third.
With his first stakes success, Open Minded advances his record to nine wins and three thirds from 8 starts, with earnings of $443,365.
“It’s amazing as Dream Thoroughbreds have been great supporters of ours for a very long time,” Sam Freedman said.
“He’s a horse that has gone to a new level.
“Today was his biggest test, but he’s a race fit horse, and he’s passed that test.
“There was a key scratching this morning with Witchfulthinking. When he came out, we were happy to push the button take control of the race. Damien knows him very well, and we didn’t have to tie him down with instructions.
“His rating is going to go up again. The 1400m at Caulfield suits, so a race like the Orr Stakes would come under consideration.”
Open Minded was passed in short of his $50,000 reserve when consigned by Te Runga Stud to the 2018 NZB Karaka Yearling Sale.
The gelding was a private purchase by Dream Thoroughbred’s Dave Azzopardi after being identified by bloodstock agent Lenny Russo of Bluegrass Bloodstock after he won a Te Rapa trial for former trainer Roger Lang.
A half-brother to Group 1 WRC Thorndon Mile runner-up Pride of Passion (Castledale) and stakes-placed Marmi (Lion Heart), Open Minded is one of five winners from as many to race out of the unraced Desert Prince (IRE) mare Desert Passion.
Now pensioned, Desert Passion has one more foal, an unnamed s3yo son of Vadamos (FR).
Open Minded becomes the fifth stakes-winner for Jimmy Choux. The 5-time Group 1 winning son of Thorn Park, who now stands at Rosalee Park Stud in Western Australia after beginning his career at Rich Hill Stud.
