A $1.4million yearling that was on-sold through Inglis Digital earlier this year unraced for $80,000 made a winning debut at Bairnsdale on Monday.
A half-brother by Written Tycoon to dual Group I winner and promising young sire Artorius, Top Calibre finally made it to the races at age four with Alexander Rae sending the blueblood out for a 1200m maiden with Jake Noonan to ride.
Top Calibre was sent off a short priced favourite and duly cantered home winning by nearly five lengths as favourite.
“You can only win and he won with authority,” said Jake Noonan.
“He’s a lovely type of horse and has been very well educated by Alex and his team and it was good to come here and get a winning strike on debut.”
Top Calibre was the most expensive yearling by Written Tycoon sold in 2021 when purchased by Tom Magnier from the Vinery Stud draft and started his racing life in the Chris Waller stable named Oistrach. He had five barrier trials in Sydney winning one of them before finding himself gelded and offered in the Inglis Digital June (late) Sale this year where he was bought by Lofty Thoroughbreds for $80,000.
A new trainer, a new name and a big drop in expectation has worked wonders for Top Calibre, who becomes the third winner from Gracie’s Lass, an unraced half-sister by Redoute’s Choice to Group I winner Delectation. The family has been in the news of late as it has also produced Group I MVRC Manikato Stakes winner Southport Tycoon.
Gracie’s Lass has a yearling filly by Home Affairs and is due to foal to Pinatubo (IRE). She also has a two year-old colt by Flying Artie that is a full brother to Artorius and made $350,000 at Inglis Easter this year when bought by Aramco Racing.
