Sound Journey gave his Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale bound half sister a tremendous boost when he flew home to win today’s Group Two Crystal Mile (1600m).
A member of the Mark Kavanagh stable, Sound Journey produced a powerful run from last to reel in Trader, who was being hailed the winner for much of the straight.
An eye catching fourth at his most recent start at Caulfield, Sound Journey appreciated being back to Moonee Valley wher he had notched his previous biggest win.
That came when, as a three-year-old, he downed a quality field in the Group Two Alister Clark Stakes. In the same campaign he ran fourth in a Group One Australian Guineas.
“I said to the boys today, what you see today is what you get,” Kavanagh said. “He’s absolutely on top of his game.”
Winning rider Michael Rodd was a happy man in the winner’s stall after the race.
“All the credit goes to Mark and all his staff at Flemington – they’ve turned him around.”
“I was off the bit early, I couldn’t keep up and then I was able to jump on Rock Kingdom’s tail at the 1000 (metres) and he just gave me a wonderful drag up.”
“I was able to come around them, which the horse likes. He doesn’t like getting cramped up too much. He really attacked the line.”
The yearling half sister heading to the Gold Coast in January is by Bernardini and is being prepared by Rothwell Park.
“She’s an outstanding filly,” Magic Millions’ Tony Williams said. “A beautiful filly.”
“She’s got good scope, she’s well balanced and is correct and very athletic,” Williams added.
“And she’s a half sister to a high class galloper – she has a lot going for her.”
Sound Journey is the only runner to date for the unraced O’Reilly mare Written By Sound – a daughter of the stakes performed Melbourne mare Golden Sound.
Golden Sound is a half isster to the international stakes winner Golden Era as well as the winning dam of the former Melbourne galloper turned Macau star Buffed (Let Go in Macau).
It is also the family further back of Group One winners inclduing Golden Heights, Cariere and Cronus.
The 2011 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale will be held from January 12 to 21.
