St Mark’s Basilica added a third Southern Hemisphere bred winner to his tally at Eagle Farm on Saturday when Apostle bowled over the race favourite to salute.
Trained by Pat Webster, Apostle was third on debut at the same venue last month and was sent forward this time by Mark du Plessis to lead.
He was strong to the line and fought on to score a tenacious win in the $85,000 open juvenile event over 1300m.
Du Plessis was a replacement rider for Leslie (Bubba) Tilley and was thrilled to get the cash.
"Bubba Tilley was meant to be riding this horse today and not me, but one man's misfortune can be another man's fortune," Du Plessis said.
"Apostle is a nice little two-year-old but he didn't like being in front today.
"But he won well and he has a lot of upside.
"I was hoping not to lead today but he will be better ridden differently in the future."
Bred in New Zealand, Apostle was a $72,500 NZB National Weanling Sale purchase from Curraghmore that made $220,000 at Karaka Book 1 when bought by James Harron Bloodstock Pty Ltd / Colt Partnership / Tony Fung Colts.
He had two trials in Sydney at Randwick for Michael Freedman in the James Harron Bloodstock colours and placed in both of them before being offered on Inglis Digital where he was bought by William Bain for $75,000.
Apostle is a half-brother to Group III placed Bronte Beach and is the fourth winner from four foals to race from Bronte Lass, a winning grand-daughter of Irish stakes-winner Zafadola with the family also producing 2026 G1 winner Opera Ballo.
Apostle is the third Australasian winner for St Mark’s Basilica, who has six entries for Inglis Easter.
