As if to celebrate his elevation to the top of the First Season Sire and Champion 2yo Sire title following the win of Kiamichi in the Golden Slipper, Sidestep was represented by his third winner when the Brett Cavanough-trained Longbottom made the best possible start to her career at Muswellbrook.
Sent off a $20 chance in the 1000m maiden, Longbottom received a ground-saving ride by Jay Ford who had to navigate a passage between horses before running out a convincing two and a half-length win over Brazen Gem, a daughter of longtime leading first season sire Brazen Beau. Salina Dreaming (Dream Ahead) was a long-neck back in third.
Longbottom is raced by Mick Malone and partners after being purchased by Kitchwin Hills for just $5,500 from the Ambergate Farm draft at the 2018 Inglis Scone Yearling Sale.
A half-sister to two winners Sidebottom is the fourth foal of the winning Orpen (IRE) mare Orphreyfrom who has a yearling colt by Delago Deluxe.
Group II ATC Pago Pago Stakes and Group II Royal Sovereign Stakes winner and Golden Slipper runner-up Sidestep (pictured) began his career at Darley Stud and now stands at Telemon Thoroughbreds.
The son of Exceed And Excel has a $900,000 lead on Better Than Ready for Champion First Season Sire and more tenuous lead of just over $100,000 over I Am Invincible and Snitzel in what is turning into an enthralling race for Champion Sire Of Two-Year-Olds.
