Only a month into the new season and we saw Robbie Griffiths step a three year-old colt from Group I BRC Queensland Oaks winner Miss Keepsake straight up in trip to 2046m at Bennalla on Tuesday with happy results.
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Token Spirit wins at Benalla - image David Thorpe / Racing Photos
Unplaced on debut in July, Wandjina colt Token Spirit was set what looked a formidable task in facing older rivals with a massive step up in distance off a six week break.
His prospects may have appeared forlorn on paper, but Token Spirit rose to the challenge.
Despite racing greenly, Token Spirit did best over the last hundred metres for Damian Lane, running strong to the line to win by a length.
A $300,000 Magic Millions purchase for Griffiths Racing/Peter Ford T'breds from the Gilgai Farm draft, Token Spirit was the most expensive yearling sired by Wandjina in 2019 and runs for a syndicate that includes his breeder Rick Jamieson.
Token Spirit was the most expensive yearling for his sire Wandjna sold in 2019.
He is the second winner for Miss Keepsake, who comes from an outstanding New Zealand classic family that has produced Group I stayers such as Grosvenor, National Gallery, Mahaya and Tavago.
The quality of this iconic family is highlighted by the presence of two more champions in Lonhro and Lankan Rupee as well as star Kiwi miler Catalyst.
Miss Keepsake has not produced a foal since Token Spirit, but was covered by So You Think last spring and appears to be in foal.
Token Spirit is the horse to win at 2000m or beyond for Wandjina, who stands at Newgate Farm this spring at a fee of $11,000.
