Mr Big confirmed his status as one of the rising stars of Singapore racing when he led home a Magic Millions clean sweep in the S$325,000 Group Two Aushorse Golden Horseshoe (1200m) at Kranji tonight.
An Australian bred and sold son of Elusive Quality, Mr Big also qualified to win a S$90,000 bonus – making it a massive pay day for connections.
In a thrilling finish Mr Big held out the race favourite and the previously unbeaten youngster Dark Matter to win narrowly. It was three lengths back to the rest – headed by Dark Matter’s stablemate Awakened.
Magic Millions graduates have been taking Singapore by storm in recent seasons and they did it again in the inaugural running of the Horseshoe – filling the first five places.
Mr Big burst onto the scene at Kranji last Friday night when on debut he demoralised his rivals with an eight and a half length win.
The win was a triumph for the Aussies with Mr Big trained by Michael Freedman and ridden to victory by Danny Beasley.
A $21,000 purchase, Mr Big from two starts has earned a staggering S$264,807.
Freedman said it was only decided in the past 24 hours to pack up Mr Big after his winning debut just a week ago.
“Ten days ago I didn’t think I had a horse for the race with a realistic chance,” Freedman commented.
“This horse bobbed up last Friday night. We had a bit of a dilemma whether we would back up seven days later.”
“I wouldn’t normally do it that’s for sure, particularly with a two-year-old – but he’s a tough little bugger.”
“He hadn’t left an oat since last Friday night and I said to James my assistant that there’s no reason we shouldn’t run him.”
“I had dinner with his owner last night and he said – let’s have a go.”
Danny Beasley was riding Mr Big for the first time in a race tonight – but had done plenty of work during his lead up preparation.
“Michael has done a great job with the horse. Congratulations to Michael as well as that was his fourth win in the series with three different horses – it’s an outstanding effort.”
“He’s a real gem and a dream to work with right from day one. Whatever you ask him to do, he does it. He’s just one of those real professional little horses.”
Aushorse chiefs Peter McGuaran and Antony Thompson were on hand at Kranji to present the winners with their trophies following the finale to the hugely successful $1 million Golden Horseshoe Series.
Also on course to catch the action was Magic Millions’ Director of Sales, David Chester.
“The series is a wonderful concept and it was great to see Australian breds dominate the race – Magic Millions graduates leading the way was fantastic,” Chester said from Kranji.
Mr Big was plucked from the draft of Yarraman Park at last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for just $21,000.
He is by Sepoy’s sire Elusive Quality and is from the unraced Danehill mare Basamaat – a sister to stakes placegetter Clear Impression and daughter of stakes winning Red Ransom juvenile Shining Hour.
The family is packed full of juvenile winners – including Italian champion Le Vie Dei Colori, English group winner Soraaya and half brother and fellow stakes winner Declaration of War.
Runner-up Dark Matter, a son of Stratum, was also purchased from the 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, while third placegetter Awakened was sold through the Morphettville salering of the Adelaide Yearling Sale.
Both minor placegetters are trained by Steven Burridge and like Mr Big look set to have big futures in Singapore.
Winner: Mr Big (Elusive Quality-Basamaat)
Race: Singapore TC Aushorse Golden Horseshoe G2 (1200m)
Sold for: $21,000
Sale: 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Yarraman Park (As Agent)
Buyer: Victorian Bloodstock Agency
Earnings: S$264,807
Owner(s): O & T Stable
Trainer: Michael Freedman (Kranji)
