With a recent barrier trial win under his belt, the Michael Freedman trained Farnan colt Castillo King appears well above average, starting the race favourite before powering away to score by more than three length on debut at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
Away from the inside gate, Tommy Berry allowed the colt to find his feet, working along the rail to settle in fourth position behind Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott’s G2 Silver Slipper placed Eviction Notice, who was having his first start since being gelded.
With Rachel King leading into the home straight aboard Eviction Notice, Berry tracked along the inside and in a matter of strides the Farnan colt was challenging the leader, kicking away in style to record a facile three and a quarter length victory.
Fighting back for second after being headed in the straight was Eviction Notice, ahead of Chris Waller’s Capitalist gelding Maritime Magnate who produced an encouraging debut effort.
The Michael Freedman stable rep was suitably impressed with the winning debut.
“He did everything right. I couldn't be happier with his performance today, so it was nice to see him get the job done for the owners."
“It was very similar to his last trial, so it was nice to see him win.
“We've always known he's got a decent time of foot. Obviously, he's not been tried over that distance, but as I said from his last trial, how strong he was through the line, we were pretty confident the 1100 will be okay today/
“He's always been a talented horse, he’s still a colt we've got plenty of time and plenty to play with.
While no decision would be made on race day, the Listed Rosebud was mentioned as a possible race to target the talented colt at.
Secure by TFI and Michael Freedman Racing for $180,000 from the draft of Lime Country Thoroughbreds at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum bred Castillo King is the third winner from three to the races out of the Exceed And Excel mare Boorooj, a half-sister to the G1 winner Invest and to the G2 placed Waterloo Sunset (dam of the G3 winner Sunsets).
From the family of Zabeel’s G1 Flight Stakes winner Unearthly, Boorooj has no yearling after unfortunately missing to Home Affairs, before producing a filly by Pride Of Dubai in the spring and was subsequently covered by Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Storm Boy in his first season at stud.
Becoming the eighth juvenile winner this season for his sire, the Vinery Stud based Farnan is the sire of 10 stakes performers highlighted by the promising G2 Hobartville Stakes winner Ninja.
Farnan will stand the upcoming season at a fee of $77,000 (inc. GST).
