Admire Mars (Jpn) is not shuttling to Arrowfield this year, but he did produce his first Aussie winner at Pakenham on Thursday with a debut victory for Planet Red.
Trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr, Planet Red was easy in the market, but showed plenty of talent coming with a late surging run for Beau Mertens to win the 1200m maiden by three-quarters of a length.
“Like all good horses he has a turn of foot and he really lengthens,” said Michael Kent Jr.
“He was in a really tricky spot and the horse was there for him when Beau brought him through.
“He’s a lovely horse and I’m just rapt for the connections, just a really good bunch of people involved in him.”
Planet Red was a $260,000 NZB Ready to run purchase for Mick Price Racing and Breeding from the draft of Ohukia Lodge, who purchased him as a pinhook prospect from Magic Millions for $100,000 from the Kenmore Lodge draft.
Bred by John Ramsey, Planet Red is a striking chestnut that is very similar in appearance to his sire Admire Mars and also his dam sire Helmet. He is the first winner from Lucky Helmet, a winning half-sister by Helmet to Group III winner Flying Mascot and stakes-winner Koala Bear from the family of Champion NZ 3YO Xtravagant.
Lucky Helmet went back to Admire Mars in two subsequent seasons and has a yearling and weanling colt by him to follow.
Admire Mars has sired 21 winners from his first crop in Japan that have now turned three and they are headed by Group I winner Embroidery and stakes-winner Namura Clara.
