The equal most expensive yearling by champion sire Snitzel ever sold, $2.8million Magic Millions purchase The Next Episode opened his account at Warwick Farm on Wednesday with a stylish win as a short priced favourite.
Trained by Ciaron Maher, The Next Episode made his debut with an unplaced run in the $1million ATC Golden Gift last November and was sent straight back to the paddock.
While nothing went right for the colt in that initial outing, it’s been smooth sailing this preparation and with two good recent trials under his belt, The Next Episode was expected to show his true ability this time.
With Jason Collett on board, he settled fifth in the run and although held up momentarily for a run in the straight, when he got clear at the furlong it was game over.
The Next Episode did his best work to the line and won by a length running quicker time than the fillies division of the juvenile maiden won by Satono Glow.
Jason Collett has ridden The Next Episode in both of his trials this preparation and was keen to keep the ride for race day.
“He's been good in the trials. He's improved from last preparation and he’s definitely growing up, a lot more so he's just brought that form into race day today and he did it nicely,” said Collett.
Bred by Widden Stud in partnership and offered in their draft at the Gold Coast, The Next Episode was bought by Ciaron Maher Bloodstock with UK based bloodstock investor Phil Cunningham of Rebel Racing leading the ownership group and his colours are carried by the talented colt.
“It was a tough watch for a bit, but he's got a very good turn of foot. We saw that in his trial last week, and Jason (Collett) was well aware, so he just had to be patient and once he had the gap, it was very impressive,” said stable representative Johann Gerard-Dubois.
“He's obviously a very well-bred horse and was an expensive yearling.
“He's always been showing plenty of talent, that's why we got him ready for the Golden Gift last prep, but things didn't work out on the day. He was drawn badIy, got a bit of a squeeze at the start and pulled up just a bit off after the race.
“So we just gave him some time to mature and come right.
“He's a lovely horse going forward and is very talented. Great to get a win for a nice group of owners and it's Phil Cunningham's first win in Australia.”
The Next Episode will have plenty of Black Type options for his next start and does hold an entry for the Group I ATC Sires Produce Stakes next month.
The Next Episode is a half-brother to Group III placed Price Tag and is the first winner for Group III winning Denman mare Humma Humma, a half-sister to stakes-winner Tycoon Humma.
Widden Stud will offer a yearling I Am Invincible colt from Humma Humma at Inglis Easter as Lot 341.
Humma Humma was bought for $1million by Widden Stud off the track at the 2021 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale and has produced four foals in a row before missing last spring after delivering a filly by Zoustar.
