The most expensive yearling by Darley Stud’s Group 1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes winner, Microphone, Coast Guard, was off the mark at start three in a 1500m maiden at Hawkesbury on Sunday.
Ridden by Tommy Berry for Peter and Paul Snowden, Coast Guard tracked the early speed set by Sizzling Tale and Kings Castle (FR).
Splinting that pair on straightening, the 2-year-old son of Microphone strode three lengths clear of his erratic stablemate Strong Trade (Written Tycoon), with the 3-year-old filly Shine Like It Does (Churchill) back in third.
A $750,000 purchase for China Horse Club/Newgate/Go/Trilogy from the Newhaven Park draft at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Coast Guard is the first foal of the Quality Road mare South Of France (USA).
A US$150,000 buy for Sheamus Mills Bloodstock at the Keeneland 2019 November Breeding Stock Sale, South Of France won three races highlighted by the Listed Tepin Stakes at Aqueduct when trained by Todd Pletcher.
The US import kicked another goal when her Trapeze Artist filly was knocked down to Yulong’s Highway Farm for $410,000 when consigned by Newhaven Park to the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
South Of France (USA) has a weanling filly by Stay Inside and missed last spring.
Coast Guard is the third winner of the season for Microphone (Exceed And Excel), which stands for $22,000 in 2024.
