Vinery sire More Than Ready started the defence of his Australian juvenile sires’ title in style when Brightexpectations scored a determined victory in the $200,000 Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Slipper (1000m) on Sunday.

Brightexpectations (2c More Than Ready – Miss Brightman by Unbridled’s Song) is trained by Gai Waterhouse for a syndicate that includes her daughter Kate.  The colt was a $150,000 buy out of the Torryburn Stud draft at the 2009 Magic Millions yearling sale.

Waterhouse played an integral part in More Than Ready’s first Australian title in 2007-08.  She trained Sebring to lucrative victories in the Magic Millions 2yo Classic and Golden Slipper Stakes.

The Vinery sire was crowned Champion 2yo sire again in 2008-09 courtesy of Phelan Ready who also completed the Magic Millions – Golden Slipper double.

Waterhouse is currently overseas but stable representative Kate Grimwade confirmed Brightexpectations will be heading to the Gold Coast in January.  “It was a really good win,” Grimwade said post-race.  “Gai has always thought he was very special and he’s shown that today.”

Brightexpectations went to Melbourne to make his debut in the G3 Maribyrnong Plate at Flemington and wasn’t disgraced when fourth home behind local youngster General Truce.

“He got a bit lost down the straight but still ran a very good race,” Grimwade added.  “Getting him back on his Sydney leg was the key and he hit the line strongly.”

Brightexpectations is from Hawkesbury juvenile winner Miss Brightman.  Second dam Espina was a Sandown winner for Lloyd Williams and Kerry Packer in 1997.  She is a Danehill half-sister to Brilliance (Rory’s Jester), a G3 winner of the AJC Canonbury Stakes.

The Danehill connection puts More Than Ready’s two premierships in perspective.  The Coolmore colossus was Australia’s Champion Juvenile sire six times!