Mungrup Stud freshman Playing God sired his first winner when Lordhelpmerun raced into G2 Karrakatta Plate contention at Ascot on Saturday.

Lordhelpmerun is trained by Steve Wolfe and didn’t require any divine intervention on the way to an impressive victory in the Magic Millions Plate (1200m).  Settled in traffic by Shaun McGruddy, he charged into the clear approaching the furlong to win by over a length from Magic Planet and Rebel Knight.

“Steve has done a lot of work with him since that first-up run here a fortnight ago,” McGruddy said.  “It was all over once we got to the front but then he stargazed so I didn’t knock him around.”

This year’s $500,000 Karrakatta Plate (1200m) is shaping as top-class renewal and Lordhelpmerun will be trained to the minute on April 14.  “He’s the real deal,” Wolfe claimed.  “He’s big and strong and will keep improving leaps and bounds.”

Wolfe and Commercial Bloodstock (FBAA) agent Noel Carter bought the winner for $25,000 from Toreby Park at the 2017 Perth Magic Millions.  He was bred in partnership by Neville Parnham who trained Playing God to Group 1 victories in the 2010-11 Kingston Town Classics.

Parnham also prepared his dam Pure Heaven (Snippetson) and grand-dam Magic Heaven (Magic Ring) to multiple wins at Ascot.

Playing God’s progress has been a revelation so far this season.  His stock were expected to take time at two before peaking as spring and autumn three year-olds.

“I thought they would come in and trial before an educational run or two – then go out for a break,” Mungrup owner Gray Williamson said last month.  “They won their trials alright but they’ve stayed in work and are racing well above what we expected at this stage of the season.”

Playing God (Blackfriars) had his second crop yearlings sell to $67,500 at February’s Perth Magic Millions.  He stood for a $4,400 service fee at Mungup Stud in 2017.

LORDHELPMERUN