Newcastle trainer Kris Lees will target the $2 million Inglis Millennium with Mystic Gem after her strong win on debut at Doomben on Saturday.
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Lees sent the filly north for her first start, instead of racing at Wyong midweek, after a strong second in a trial at that track on January 7 and it proved a winning move in the 1050-metre handicap for two-year-olds.
A daughter of Capitalist, Mystic Gem was settled on the rails behind the leader by jockey Andrew Mallyon before they came off heels to find space at the 250m.
Mystic Gem showed an impressive turn of foot over the final 100m to mow down the leaders and win by half a length from Rubiquitous.
The filly was a $125,000 buy for Lees, on behalf of Singleton abattoir owner Edward Throsby, at the 2020 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.
"She's done a really good job, she's a real professional little filly," Lees said.
"Obviously Queensland two-year-old form is a little softer than Sydney form, so we thought she was well placed there from the draw.
"She was a good purchase, a nice well-bred filly with a bit of upside."
Lees said the 1100m Inglis Millennium for two-year-olds at Randwick on February 6 would be the next target.
"She'll come home now and she'll go to the Millennium," he said.
"Obviously that's a huge jump again in grade but for $2 million, after winning a city race, you're tempted to give them the chance to race for that prizemoney in two weeks."
The victory was the first of three in a row on Saturday for Mallyon, who Lees said was "the most underrated rider".
Also on February 6, Lees will have The Bopper contesting the $1 million Inglis Sprint (1200m) for three-year-olds.
He has secured Hugh Bowman to ride The Bopper, which was fourth first-up at Rosehill in 1100m benchmark 88 handicap company on January 16 after over-racing in the middle stages.
On Sunday, Scone apprentice Reece Jones continued his stellar season with a double at Wyong.
Jones, the leading apprentice in NSW this season with 47.5 wins, rode Enamour and Standing Bear to victory.
AAP reports: The Freedman brothers have continued their affinity with the progeny of first season sire Extreme Choice, producing Stay Inside for a powerhouse debut win at Randwick on Saturday.
The colt was just the second juvenile Michael and Richard Freedman have saddled up in Sydney this season and both have won.
Tiger Of Malay, also by Extreme Choice, took out the Kirkham Plate for the stable in October.
Michael Freedman said it was a pity Extreme Choice had fertility issues, producing just 48 live foals from his first crop, as his progeny had shown good ability.
"I wish they were making a few more of them. We've had two two-year-olds to the races this season and they'e both horses by Extreme Choice," Freedman said.
"With Tiger Of Malay and this bloke, and we've got another couple at home, they've all got great actions so it's just a shame he's not as fertile as we'd all like."
Stay Inside showed early speed to camp off the leading pair before pouncing in the straight.
When Robbie Dolan asked for a supreme effort inside the final furlong, Stay Inside ($7) accelerated clear to put almost three lengths on Headliner ($5.50).
Freedman said he had expected a competitive performance but was surprised the colt showed such dominance.
A $200,000 Magic Millions buy, Stay Inside firmed with TAB from $101 to $26 for the Blue Diamond and Golden Slipper.