Transferred to Phillip Stokes after starting his career with Darren Weir, Mr
Quickie has been in hot form for his new trainer this preparation not missing a
place in his past five starts before today including a last start third in the
Group I South Australian Derby.Mr Quickie was heavily backed to start favourite and powered to the line to win the 2400 metre classic by three quarters of a length.
"Johnny (Allen) gave him a great ride, we stuck with him and he wove his magic today," said Phillip Stokes.
"He got him out just at the right time and for his age gee this horse can stay, his record speaks for itself he's remarkable.
"The ultimate credit has to go to the horse, we flew him up here after a tough South Australian Derby in the wet and he's done the job."
Mr Quickie was a $115,000 Magic Millions purchase for Dalziel Racing from the Rosemont Stud draft and was also bred by Rosemont, who remain in the ownership and now stand his sire Shamus Award.
With nine wins from 13 starts, Mr Quickie has won over $939,000 in prizemoney
and looms as a borhgt hope for the spring staying features.He is certainly bred to get a trip being the first foal of Special Favour, a General Nediym winner at 2200 metres from Group II winner My Tusker, whose grand-dam is champion Kiwi mare Horlicks, who won the Japan Cup in world record time.
Horlicks many notable descendants include Melbourne Cup winner Brew and Group I ATC Australian Derby winner Fiumicino, so Mr Quickie's Derby success comes as no surprise.
Mr Quickie is the third stakes-winner and first Group I winner for Shamus Award, who stands at Rosemont Stud at a fee of $11,000.
