There was just three-quarters of a length separating seven two-year-olds in a dramatic finish to the Robrick Lodge Hcp (1250m) at Canterbury, but there was a lot to like about the winner.
One of four starters for Chris Waller, McHale scythed between runners under a fearless Tyler Schiller to make a winning career debut.
The son of Shooting To Win defeated the Snitzel filly Star Act by a short-neck with a head back to third placed Invader gelding Bo Katan.
McHale was a $160,000 purchase for Star Thoroughbreds / Randwick Bloodstock Agency (FBAA) from the Edinglassie Stud draft at the 2022 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
A half-brother to the Group II ATC Villiers Stakes winner Ninth Legion (Fastnet Rock), Group II QTC Queensland Guineas winner Tsaritsa (Dane Shadow), and stakes-placed Sing a Love Song (Your Song), McHale is the sixth winner from eight to race for the Xaar (GB) mare Xaar’s Jewel.
A half-sister to stakes-winner Kidlat (Snippets), and to the dam of Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas winner Tell a Tale (Tale Of The Cat), Xaar’s Jewel earned an honorable pension after foaling a Zousain filly.
