The equal most expensive yearling by champion sire Snitzel ever sold, $2.8million Magic Millions purchase The Next Episode converted potential into his first stakes victory at Eagle Farm on Saturday trouncing his rivals to win the $200,000 Listed BRC Dalrello Stakes (1000m) in a canter.
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 with a smart maiden win in early March followed by a close second to Blue Door in the Group III ATC Kindergarten Stakes at Randwick.
The colt settled kindly back in the field for regular rider Jason Collett and was always travelling like the winner, so when he angled into clear running and was given his cue it was game over.
The Next Episode swept past his rivals and was quite clearly a class above in scoring by nearly three lengths over Lucky Pat with the Karaka Million winner Dream Roca in third place.
“We always knew he was dynamic and he always shows plenty of ability at home. He's got his manners intact today and didn't make a mistake,” said stable representative Sam Cavanough.
"He's a very expensive colt, so full credit to the owners over in the UK and the bunch of very good supporters for the stable. He's an absolute dude."
Future plans for the colt are yet to be decided and will hinge on how he comes through the run, but Jason Collett was full of praise for The Next Episode..
“It's a very long straight and it's amazing how quickly he got there especially on some shifty ground. I'm very encouraged by that,” he said.
"It was a good day out for him and hopefully that will build confidence for him. I checked him up a bit and I didn't need too much encouragement for him. He's very well trained."
With two wins and a placing from four starts and prizemoney in excess of $200,000, The Next Episode will have plenty of Black Type options for his next start and has ticked the heavy track box with this latest win.
Bred by Widden in partnership, The Next Episode is a half-brother to Group III placed winner Price Tag and they are the first two foals from Group III winning Denman mare Humma Humma, a half-sister to stakes-winner Tycoon Humma.
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.
Widden Stud sold a yearling I Am Invincible colt from Humma Humma at Inglis Easter this year for $600,000 to McEvoy Mitchell Racing Pty Ltd / Belmont Bloodstock.
The Next Episode is the 173rd stakes-winner for champion sire Snitzel, who had a juvenile stakes double on Saturday with Zafar winning a Listed race in New Zealand.
