Sessions unveiled a stayer of the future when Big Screen stepped up from 1000m to win the Mumm Champagne Maiden (1500m) at Ascot on Good Friday.

Big Screen led clearly in the early stages before Kyra Yuill gave him a breather approaching the corner.  They quickened again into the straight and established a winning margin a long way from home.

Having his second start for Muchea trainer Justine Erkelens, the 3yo gelding was eased down to score by over two lengths from Gee Force (Famous Roman) and Piccola Signora (Pierro).

“I was sure he would run the trip right out.  He has a high cruising speed and the trick is to let him roll forward,” Erkelens said.  “Kyra did that today and now we will send him over a mile.  He will race through the grades and I think he’s definitely a nice stayer in the making.”

Big Screen is the 30th individual winner by Oakland Park sire Sessions and they have arrived at a 70% strike-rate.  “We got it really nice in front,” Yuill agreed.  “I told Justine I would ride him confidently and he hit the line super.  He’s a big horse and will get over a trip.”

His dam Motion Pictures (Oratorio) won a G2 Karrakatta Plate for Don Hammarquist OAM who is a legend in the Upper Gasgoyne in his roles as Shire President and owner of the Mt Augustus Station.

Hammarquist races under the Northern Thoroughbreds banner.  He bred and raced Motion Pictures to victories in the 2010 Karrakatta and G3 WA Sires’ Produce Stakes.  He had kept the filly after she failed to make $60,000 at the 2009 Perth Magic Millions and Big Screen is her third winner for Hammarquist following Summit Trail (Stratum) and Picture Show (Manhattan Rain).

Motion Pictures has a filly foal by Godolphin sire Impending (Lonhro) and she was bred back to Toronado (Ire) in November.

BIG SCREEN