A big field of 16 went to the post for the $100,000 Inglis Scone Challenge on Friday with hot favourite The Bopper winning as though he were the only horse in the race.
A big powerful chestnut, by Nature Strip’s sire Nicconi, the Kris Lees trained gelding turned in a performance reminiscent of Australia’s best sprinter when he powered away to take the 1100 metre dash by four lengths.
A $30,000 Inglis Scone purchase for Lees Racing from the Widden Stud draft, the Bopper has now won two from two banking over $80,000 in prizemoney for his big team of owners.
“He’s shown ability from day one,” said Kris Lees.
“Keiran Moore found him at the sale for us and kept a share. He broke in well and then trialled up well and was impressive winning on debut, but he went to another level today.”
The Bopper is the first winner from Chicago, a winning Artie Schiller (USA) mare from the family of stakes-winner Sarthemare, the dam of Group II winner Sesar and stakes-winner Doubt Defying.
The Bopper is the second juvenile winner this week for Nicconi joining the Lindsay Park trained Dark Horse, an impressive debut winner at Sandown on Wednesday.
Nicconi stands this spring at a fee of $27,500.
