The equal most expensive yearling by champion sire Snitzel ever sold, $2.8million Magic Millions purchase The Next Episode was co-bred and sold by Widden Stud and added another feature win to his record when resuming from a spell to win the $300,000 Group II VRC Danehill Stakes (1100m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Trained by Ciaron Maher, The Next Episode was first up from a spell having not raced since winning the $1million Magic Millions National Classic (1000m) at the Gold Coast back in May beating Home Affairs filly Natural Fling.
Natural Fling was in the line up again on Saturday and was sent off as favourite after her recent outstanding runs this spring including a third in the Group I MVRC Moir Stakes, but once again the colt had her measure.
Ridden by Mark Zahra, The Next Episode settled off the pace and swooped home late to beat the filly by half a length on the testing heavy 10 ground.
“He had a couple of trials in Sydney and wasn't quite ready. We brought him down here and he was very slick behind Jimmy (Jimmysstar in jump out) and I thought we were right back on track then,” said Maher.
“I wanted to give him a look down the straight so that wouldn't be an excuse and we had a trial here the other day. I was mindful he blew the clock up 10 days earlier and I wanted to keep him on the bit and have him ready for today.
“Then when the rain came, it's documented that he handles that sort of track, so I wasn't concerned. I'm just so thrilled.
"It was a beautiful ride by Mark. He knew what he had underneath him. He rides those horses so well, when they need a bit of confidence. He rides them so well and it's a credit to him.”
With four wins and a placing from six starts and prizemoney just shy of $1million, The Next Episode is on track for the Group I VRC Coolmore Stud Stakes on October 31, despite his belated start to spring.
“Good horses, you obviously want them to go well. He was letting us know he wasn't quite there, but he's thrived and he will still improve,” Maher said.
“His coat has to come on a bit and he should present well in four weeks' time.
“The plan is to have another run, but we'll just see how he comes through today.”
Bred in partnership by Widden, who retain a share in his ownership, The Next Episode runs for a syndicate of stable clients and carries the colours of his UK based part-owner Phil Cunningham.
He 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 third stakes-winner on Saturday for Arrowfield Stud’s much missed champion sire Snitzel.
