A field of promising three-year-olds with staying potential went to the post for Wednesday's Ladbroke It Maiden Plate (1500m) at Sandown-Hillside, and the winner, Gold Bullion, has classic aspirations.
Ridden by Blake Shinn for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, the son of Savabeel enjoyed the run of the race one put one back as the $1,000,000 Justify (USA) colt Limburg set honest fractions.
Momentarily baulked when Porter wobbled around the corner, Gold Bullion picked up to overpower Limburg by three-quarters of a length, with Ain'Tnodeeldun’s brother Binotto (Dundeel) a further two and a half lengths back in third.
"It was a beautiful ride by Blake to get out of that headwind in the back straight," stable representative Rebecca Shanks said.
"His form in Sydney is good. He found the 1200m a bit short first-up when pipped on the line.
"He was always going to appreciate the step-up to the 1500m being a Savabeel out of a So You Think mare.
"We had hoped to jump and lead, but he was ridden for the conditions on a day like today. It's very exciting for China Horse Club and Newgate to see this boy win.
"The derby may be aiming high, but we will take him home and see how he is. His breeding says he should be able to run over a trip, so that is no query, and that may be a plan."
China Horse Club/Newgate Bloodstock/Trilogy Racing shelled $400,000 for Gold Billion, which Newhaven Park consigned to the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
A three-quarter brother to Group II Group II MataRC Breeders Stakes winner Gold Fever (Savabeel), Gold Bullion is the second winner from as many to race for another Group II MataRC Breeders Stakes (1200m) winner Gold Rush (So You Think).
Gold Rush is a half-sister to Listed ATC Gimcrack Stakes winner Calaverite (Lonhro), dam of the Group 1 MRC Caulfield Guineas hero Golden Mile (Astern).
Gold Rush has a 2-year-old filly by Super Seth and, after foaling an Ocean Park filly last spring, was covered by Wootton Bassett (GB).
