Group placed during the autumn when he went around in several of the Golden Slipper lead up races, promising Zoustar colt Hillier made a winning return at Newcastle on Tuesday when resuming from a spell.
Trained by Annabel and Rob Archibald, Hillier was tuned up with a couple of recent trials and was sent out favourite for the 1200m maiden with Tom Sherry to ride.
Taking on older rivals he settled back off the pace and did his best work late to reel in the leader Harry’s Evidence to win by a long neck.
Hillier will no doubt take physical benefit and confidence from landing his first win at his fifth start.
A $500,000 Magic Millions purchase from Segenhoe Stud for TFI/Annabel Neasham Racing Pty Ltd, Hillier runs for a big group of stable clients including Kia Ora Stud in whose colours he runs.
Bred by Segenhoe, Hillier is the second winner from stakes-winning Sebring mare Pretty in Pink, who comes from the family of dual Cox Plate winner Fields of Omagh and Group I winner The Mitigator.
Segenhoe sold a Snitzel yearling filly from Pretty in Pink at Magic Millions this year for $450,000 to Kia Ora Stud.
Pretty in Pink produced another colt last year by Zoustar and is now in foal to Farnan.
Hillier is the ninth 2YO winner this season for Widden Stud’s Zoustar, who is edging closer to 200 winners in total for the season
