Last start Doomben winner Aquatorial has been the subject of several bids from Asian agents but trainer Ron Macrae has knocked them all back.
And Macrae’s decision was vindicated when the gelding showed a great turn of foot to beat home stablemate Slysera in the Mother 2YO Hcp (1110m) at Doomben. He has now banked over $86,000 for connections from 3 wins in 7 starts.
Aquatorial (2g Oratorio – Dolcetto by Canny Lad) cost $50,000 from Goodwood Farm at the 2010 Gold Coast Magic Millions. “I’m looking forward to the Magic Millions Guineas,” Macrae said. “It’s a million-dollar race and that’s where we’re heading.
“He was a bit gate shy early on but he’s mended his ways since I took the blinkers off and added winkers. We’ve had a few offers to sell him but he’s not for sale.”
Aquatorial is by Danehill’s sire son Oratorio and is a half brother to four winners including Macrae’s former top runner Bonza Crop. A Toowoomba Magic Millions Trophy winner, Bonza Crop also earned black type when third in the Doomben Slipper.
Their dam Dolcetto is a winning half sister to Listed SAJC Balcrest Stakes winner Wake Me Not (Southern Appeal). The mare has another Oratorio colt eligible the 2012 majors.