The Chris Waller trained colt was first up from a spell and made light of the heavy ground to power home between runners for Tye Angland to snatch a three-quarter length win over previously unbeaten Star Witness colt Graff, who covered ground throughout. (image Steve Hart)
Speedy Spirit of Boom colt Jonker held on well for third after leading while Zoustar's other classy colt Zousain lost no admirers with his strong closing fourth.
"He was the best looking horse in the yard," said Tye Angland.
"It got a bit sticky on the corner when I was held up. I didn't expect him to
pick up so many lengths under hands and heels…. He has a great attitude and is
an awesome racehorse."A $250,000 Magic Millions Yearling purchase from the Glenlogan Park draft for Aquis, Blue Sky Bloodstock/Raffles Racing who race the colt in partnership, Lean Mean Machine carries the Raffles colours.
With three wins and two placings from five starts and prizemoney topping $330,000, Lean Mean Machine is entered for all the spring majors.
"He's a pretty sexy looking horse and is well named… Tye is in love with him," said Chris Waller.
"Zoustar went to a new level when he came back as a three year-old and it looks like this horse has too."
Bred and offered for sale by Glenlogan Park, Lean Mean Machine is the second
winner for juvenile stakes-winner She's Meaner, a half-sister by Falvelon to
$1.3 million earner and sire Love Conquers All from Group I winner She's a
Meanie.Lean Mean Machine is the last foal from She's Meaner, who died in 2016.
Both Group II winners last season as juveniles, Lean Mean Machine and fourth place-getter Zousain promise to bring further success this spring to their sire Zoustar, the reigning Champion First Season Sire.
Zoustar is fully booked at Widden Stud at a fee of $60,500.
