Tasmanian 2YO sensation Aristopolos ran as a short priced favourite in the $85,000 Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) in Hobart on Friday and the son of 2021 European Horse of the Year St Mark’s Basilica (Fr) kept his unbeaten record intact with scintillating victory.
Trained by John Blacker, the colt came into the race with three straight previous wins including a last start victory in the Listed Elwick Stakes and soared to new heights with a dazzling display.
Aristopolos was ridden again by Erica Byrne Burke and produced the best win of his career so far when blazing clear to win by eight and a half lengths.
Aristopolos has now won over $218,000 from his first four starts with his trainer John Blacker wiping away tears of joy after the win.
“They are tears of joy, you get a horse that’s going through his classes and a 2YO like this, you have some sleepless nights,” revealed John Blacker.
“His work hasn’t gone backwards and the team thought he was 100%.. he was pretty impressive.
“He’ll go out in the paddock tomorrow like he always does and then we’ll have a fortnight and a couple of days before the Gold Sovereign (Listed) and at this moment that is where he’ll go.”
A $60,000 Magic Millions Tasmania purchase for his trainer from the Armidale Stud draft, Aristopolos was also bred by Armidale Stud and is the second foal to race and second winner from stakes-placed Flying Krupt.
Flying Krupt had a colt last spring by King’s Gambit and was then covered by another young I Am Invincible stallion in Bodyguard.
Aristopolos is the first stakes-winner in Australia for St Mark’s Basilica, whose best so far in the Northern Hemisphere is Group I winning filly Diamond Necklace.
St Mark’s Basilica had yearlings sell for up to $330,000 at Magic Millions and has good numbers for upcoming sales with 11 for Inglis Classic, 14 for Inglis Premier and six for Inglis Easter.
