News and Media

03 September 2011

Mega Steel doubled his stakes win count and got in his trainer's good books when he scored a somewhat surprise win in Saturday's listed Farnley Stakes at Belmont.

Considered a handful by connections, Mega Steel gave followers plenty to cheer about when he got home in a driving finish to win the Perth feature event.

A $30,000 purchase for leading Perth agent John Chalmers at the 2006 Magic Millions Key Farm Dispersal Sale at Belmont, Mega Steel shot his earnings past $360,000 with his latest gutsy success.

Trainer Bruce McClune said Mega Steel wasn't the best horse to have around the stable for his "tricks" - but his talents as a racehorse are never to be doubted.

"The boys were confident - but I am never too confident because he gives me a hard time every morning this horse," McClune said.

"He's got more tricks than a circus pony. "

"We wanted to ride him a little bit quieter today. He can over race a bit and we decided to put the norton (bit) on him and that helped I suppose."

McClune said he had nothing in particular picked out for Mega Steel in the coming weeks - just hoping to place in charge in more races he was suited to "win more races."

A half brother to the Lindsay Park prepared stakes performed filly Life is a Cabernet, Mega Steel is one of three winners produced by the Marauding mare Cabernet Queen.

Unraced, Cabernet Queen is a half sister to two stakes performers including the former outstanding WA based sprint star Barrosa Boy.

Barrosa Boy won a staggering 23 races and earned over $1 million. No fewer than 10 of his wins came in black type events in either Perth or Queensland.

Winner: Mega Steel
Breeding: Helenus-Cabernet Queen (Marauding)
Race: WATC Farnley Stakes LR (1400m)
Sold for: $30,000
Sale: 2006 Magic Millions Key Farm Dispersal Sale
Vendor: Key Farm
Buyer: John Chalmers Bloodstock
Earnings: $362,840
Owner(s): RW Roberts
Trainer: Bruce McClune (Ascot)