There was a flood of money for the striking Xtravagant filly Xtravagant Star in Saturday’s $2,000,000 Inglis Millennium (RL) at Randwick, and she did not disappoint
Connections of the Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained filly will be heading home with a boatload of money. With Chad Schofield in the saddle Xtravagant Star downed the favoured Pierro filly, Paris Dior, by one and three-quarter lengths with a half head back to the previously undefeated Sebring colt Sejardan in third.
Xtravagant Star headed to Sydney for her most significant assignment to date off the back of a debut win at Geelong on January 6.
“She is a really good filly, always showed us a bit of talent, and we went to that race at Geelong pretty confident,” Tony McEvoy said.
“She had a fight to win it and showed she has speed and is tough. The ownership group was very comfortable to come to this race, and we’re so excited.
“It’s her first trip away from home. The way she has handled herself and accepted everything was just magnificent.
“She pinged the gate and Chad thought she’d lead, but he was a bit nervous there was going to be too much pressure, so he was just very quiet. She didn’t really want to come back, threw her head at one stage, but then she accepted it. She is a quality, quality filly.
“We have some beautiful decisions to make. We can go to the Diamond in three weeks, or we can concentrate on the Slipper. It’s a bit hard to do both, I think.
“We will enjoy today and make some decisions in a few days. She has come a little bit out of left field. At home she’s solid, but she’s not a ‘wow’ sort of horse. Sometimes they’re the best, but I am liking her more and more.”
Chad Schofield celebrated his most financially rewarding result since returning from Hong Kong.
“It was very painless, really,” Schofield said.
“She was first to leave the machines. Pre-race I thought we might have to drop her in as there was a bit of speed on our inside, but she was way too fast and cleared them easily.
“I had a perfect run with cover throughout. Gai’s horse led and gave me a lovely cart into it while Sweet Ride held the rail, so she travelled very well with the cover.”
A $150,000 purchase for McEvoy Mitchell / Belmont Bloodstock (FBAA) from the draft of Newhaven Park 2021 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, Xtravagant Star is a sister to Listed McKenzie Stakes winner He's Xceptional.
Bred and part-owned by Seymour Bloodstock, Xtravagant Star is the fourth winner from as many foals from the Sebring mare She’s A Danica.
A three-quarter-sister to Group II Moonee Valley Fillies Classic runner-up Tahni Girl (Sebring), She’s Danica is a half-sister to stakes-placed Into Orbit (Northern Meteor).
After missing in 2019, She's A Danica foaled a sister to He's Xceptional and Xtravagant Star last spring and was covered by Fierce Impact (JPN).
Xtravagant Star is the second black-type winner for Newhaven Park Stud’s dual Group 1 winner Xtravagant who stands for a fee of $11,000.
The son of Pentire has four lots at the Inglis Classic, all in the Newhaven Park draft.
