Shaft is the latest son of Flying Spur to sire a stakes winner and NZ trainer John Sargent believes he could be the first of them to get a Group 1 winner.

Sargent is setting his Shaft colt Magic Shaft for the G1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes at Awapuni on March 31.

Magic Shaft (2g Shaft – Adaptable Lass by Marauding) earned a start at that level after winning the LR Matamata Slipper last Saturday.  Despite a wide draw, he jumped straight to the front and maintained a winning margin in the straight to score by three-quarters-of-a-length.

“He was a magnificent looking yearling but I never thought that he would make a two-year-old,” Sargent admitted.  “We will bypass the Diamond Stakes next week because it comes up a bit quick.  The Sires’ Produce gives us a bit more time.”

Shaft retired to Darley after a six-start career highlighted by a G2 victory in the 2007 Silver Slipper Stakes when he defeated Husson Lightning and Murtajill.  His dam Traceable (Rahy) is a half-sister to Australian Horse of the Year Typhoon Tracy.  

Arrowfield champion Flying Spur now has four sire sons credited with black type winners.  Jet Spur started the ball rolling from his base at Glenlogan Park and he was followed by Heritage (Yarradale Stud) and Casino Prince (Patinack Farm).

Magic Shaft was a $60,000 buy from Te Mania Thoroughbreds at the 2011 NZB Select Sale.  His dam Adaptable Lass has thrown winners by Success Express and Zeditave and she also has a yearling colt by Yarradale sire Musket.