A $31 shot usually silences the punters but not so for those on track at Ascot on Saturday who welcomed the local hope Great Shot after he turned back the challenge of the eastern state invaders in the $1 million Group 1 James Boag's Premium-Railway Stakes (1600m).
Providing a career highlight for young trainer Rhys Radford and jockey Craig Staples, Great Shot led into the straight and bravely repelled the challenges of 5-time Group 1 winner Black Heart Bart and perennial bridesmaid Tom Melbourne in a thrilling finish where less than a length covered the first five across the line.
The winner of the WATC Belmont Guineas at three, Great Shot added the Cyril Flower Stakes on the same track in February then the Listed Old Comrade Stakes in April.
The 5yo son of Manus (pictured left ) advances his record to 8 wins, 8 seconds and 3 thirds from 24 starts with earnings of $1,204,875.
"We thought he would run a great race and we were just hoping his best was good enough," the 26yo Radford said.
"I've never had a horse that tries as hard as he does, and he is a credit to himself.
"I couldn't be happier, and it might take a day or two to sink in."
A $31,000 purchase by his owner Francis Edwards from the Scenic Lodge draft at the 2014 Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Great Shot (pictured right ) is a three-quarter brother to Listed winner and multiple stakes-placed Gawne (Flying Spur) out of the 4-time Sydney winning mare Satin Covers (Dr Grace).
A daughter of the Group 1 Orlando Wines Classic winner Satan Sand, Satin Covers was purchased by Scenic Lodge for $26,000 at the 2012 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale when carrying the future Group 1 Railway Stakes winner.
Sadly, for Scenic Lodge, Satin Covers did not produce another foal.
She spent four fruitless seasons visiting Blackfriars before being retired in January 2016.
Great Shot becomes the third Group 1 winner for Sun Stud's Magnus who is standing his tenth season at a fee of $22,000.
