Bold front-runner The Mitigator (Aus) has captured his first black type victory with a trademark barrier-to-box victory in the G3 Eagle Technology Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie.

Saturday’s breakthrough for the imported son of Master Of Design followed seconds in stakes races at Tauranga and Hastings. He set a strong tempo and established a winning a break on Beauden to improve his record to 6 wins and 12 placings in 29 starts.

“He’s a very honest horse and deserves this win,” trainer Peter McKay said. “Sometimes they will take him on in front and often they end up running back last while he fights on. We had a bit of a problem going into his last start where he had missed a run but he still ran right out of his skin like he has done again today.”

McKay is hopeful he can stretch out over more ground during his current campaign while managing the gelding’s place in the ratings. “He’s an easy horse to handle but it took a while to work him out. I just sprint him up before each race now and he doesn’t blow a match out.”

The weight-for-age G1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day is the preferred target instead of the G1 Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) at Trentham.

The Mitigator was purchased by Trent Busuttin for $75,000 at the 2016 Gold Coast Magic Millions from Amarina Farm. His dam Charming Ruby (Rubiton) has also foaled G2 Edward Manifold Stakes winner Fontein Ruby (Turffontein).

Master Of Design (Redoute’s Choice) stands at Greta West Stud for $3,300 (inc GST).

THE MITIGATOR