Trained at Newcastle by David Atkins, Jonker (image Steve Hart) was an impressive debut winner of the $52,000 Max Lees Classic on December 3, but was not the favourite for this tougher assignment with that honour afforded the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained first starter Terminology.
Jonker jumped well for Aaron Bullock and tracked the leader La Pomme de Pin, but when they turned for home he passed the filly as though she were tied to the fence and kept running to the line to win the 1100 metre dash by four lengths.
"That will be perfect for him," Atkins told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
"I always liked him but his second jump out was very sharp and I thought he might be something handy. Then he trialled super and has just got better and better ever since."
For country jockey Aaron Bullock, it was one of the more lucrative ways of
winning his first metropolitan-grade race, and he is understandably keen to
continue his association with the colt in next month's $2 million showpiece."I've never ridden a city winner but it's a good way to kick off and ride one that's for sure," Bullock told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
"He's a horse that was never really off the bit until I asked him to let down which is a big attribute around here.
"I wasn't sure if I'd keep the ride today to tell you the truth so if I can keep the ride up there it would be a great thrill."
Bred by Wicklow Lodge, Jonker was a $45,000 purchase by part-owner Doug Crich from the Fig Tree Thoroughbreds draft at session two of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
He is the third foal of the winning Kempinsky mare Hearts And Arrows who is a half-sister to the Group III CS Hayes winner Fair Trade from the incomparable Eight Carat family.
Jonker is one of six winners for Eureka Stud's red hot sire Spirit of Boom, who is the leading first season sire and also leading two year-old sire in the country by winners.
Jonker is the third stakes-winner for Spirit of Boom joining Ef Troop and Outback Barbie.
