The juvenile event at Muswellbrook on Friday was seen as an easy target race for talented Too Darn Hot (GB) colt Dr Hook, whose previous three runs had all been in Group races, but his connections had not reckoned with the potential of Priory Park.
A Wild Ruler colt prepared by Annabel and Rob Archibald, Priory Park was fourth on debut in a strong maiden at Hawkesbury won by Extremely Tempted with the runner-up that day Katoto coming out to win a strong midweek maiden on Wednesday.
Dr Hook was ridden like the good thing punters expected him to be and set the pace in front, but he couldn’t shake off the challenge of Priory Park and the two colts drew six lengths away from the pack to fight out the finish.
Priory Park did best for Mitchell Bell to win the 1000m dash by half a length in 56.86 seconds.
Priory Park was a $220,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Riverstone Lodge draft for Neasham & Archibald Racing/William Johnson Bloodstock (FBAA)/Eric Lucas and is the first foal of stakes-winning Press Statement mare Incredulous Dream.
A half-sister to Group II winner Global Exchange, Incredulous Dream owes her grey colouring to her female line which traces back to fourth dam Pure of Heart (IRE), an imported daughter of Godswalk that won the Group I STC George Ryder Stakes back in 1982.
Priory Park is the fourth winner for Newgate Farm’s good looking Snitzel won Wild Ruler, whose offspring include Group II ATC Silver Slipper winner Stretan Ruler and stakes-placed Savage Look.
Wild Ruler stands at a fee of $27,500 this spring.
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