The trainer liked his long legs so paid $14,000 for McGaw who went two for two in the $1million TBV VOBIS Platinum Showdown (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
It was an impressive effort too after drawing a wide gate and Damien Lane was left wide without cover working so had to press right on and sit outside the lead.
It was as tough a run as any in the race yet he fought impressively to beat Befuddle (Hanseatic) by half a length with Chergui (Frosted) third.
Trained by ex-pat Kiwis Emma-Lee and David Browne, Mcgaw was a $14,000 purchase for Sparta Racing from the Stonehouse Thoroughbreds draft at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale in 2024.
“I liked his long legs,” said Emme-Lee.
“David tried to take the mickey out of me. He said, you know, it's got a wonky look.
“He’s such an amazing horse. He's an amazing horse because he is a bit of a dork. He's got those big ears. He wanders around. He eats all his food. He tries to stand on his own feet and then he gets out there and he does this."
McGaw is the fifth foal of Listed NZ winner Niki Piki Milo, a mare by Librettist, and half-sister to the Group I placed duo of Bella Gioia and Bella Mente. The family includes Pride Of Dubai.
Niki Piki Milo changed hands at the 2020 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale for $16000.
Her yearling, also by I Am Immortal sold for $160,000 to Busuttin Racing at the Inglis Premier Sale this year when offered by Widden Stud.
She foaled a filly by Supido last year and returned to I Am Immortal.
McGaw is the 11th season winner for I Am Immortal, a son of I Am Invincible who stands at Victoria’s Swettenham Stud.
