It was an action packed juvenile maiden at Rosehill on Wednesday with race favourite Blondeau appearing set for victory before Star Witness colt Aim unleashed a sizzling burst to claim an eye-catching debut victory.
Two modest efforts at his only barrier trials saw Aim fitted with blinkers for his first start and sent to the post at $17, but the Peter and Paul Snowden trained youngster showed his true potential under race conditions.
He settled at the rear for Brenton Avdulla after jumping from an outside gate and when shown clear running lengthened stride to run down Blondeau and with the 1200m maiden by along neck with his expensive stablemate King’s Legacy also running well for third,
A $200,0000 Magic Millions purchase for China Horse Club/ Newgate Bloodstock from the Newhaven Park draft, Aim runs in the China Horse Club colours for a big syndicate of bloodstock investors.
“He has a relaxed attitude and takes everything in his stride,” said co-trainer Paul Snowden.
“Aim got the right run at a vital stage. He’s a beautiful type and will run again in a few weeks and then we’ll have a better picture going towards the Magic Milllions.”
Brenton Avdulla was well pleased with Aim.
“He always looked like a horse that would appreciate the 1200 and that was the case,” he said.
“Once he got clear, he really found the line.”
Bred by B2B Bloodstock, Aim is the second foal and first winner for well bred import Vintage Strike (USA), a winning half-sister by Smart Striek to Group II winners Friesan Fire and Villermont from Aussie Group I winner Bollinger, a daughter of Golden Slipper winner Bint Marscay.
B2B Thoroughbreds are consigning yearlings this year under their own banner and will offer the full brother to Aim as Lot 21 at Magic Millions 2020.
Vintage Strike has also foaled this spring producing a colt by Written Tycoon.
Widden Stud’s Star Witness is in hot form at present with four winners on Wednesday and 14 in the last seven days!
He has strong representation at upcoming sales with 19 yearlings for Magic Millions and 20 for Inglis Classic.
