By a Japanese-bred sire who now stands in Turkey out of a German-bred mare that resides in Japan, the 7-year-old gelding Mystery Island (JPN) carried the colours of Melbourne Cup winner Americain (USA) to a career highlight victory in the $300,000 Listed Sungold Milk Warrnambool Cup (2350m).
Ridden by Harry Coffey for Shane Jackson, Mystery Island (JPN) moved to a challenging position before the turn and made it a one-horse race in the straight.
The son of Victoire Pisa (JPN) defeated the Declaration Of War (USA) gelding No Apology by four and a half lengths, with the Mahisara mare Little Mix a half-length back in third.
With his stakes breakthrough, Mystery Island (JPN) advances his record to eight wins, eight seconds, and seven thirds from 44 starts with earnings of $549,309.
“I’ve been riding him all prep in really strong races, and he has been flying,” Coffey said.
“He felt great going to the start and looked amazing. Shane and Lindsey (previous trainer Lindsey Smith) have done a massive job, winning the Wangoom and the Cup.
“He knew he was on his home track, and it’s special having Jacko, his wife, and kids at the track.”
A half-bother to Group II placed Jodie (Daiwa Major), Mystery Island (JPN) is one of six winners from seven to race for the unraced Monsun mare Mystique (GER) a half-sister to the Group 1 Doomben Cup winner Mawingo (Tertullian) and German Group III winner Mountaha (Guiliani).
Mystery Island (JPN) is the 15th stakes-winner for Victoire Pisa (JPN), who had top-level wins in the Dubai World Cup, Arima Kinen, and Satsuki Sho.
Victoire Pisa (JPN) now stands in Turkey at TJK Karacabey Boarding Stud, Bursa.
