The Journey Continues

Mark Smith - Saturday August 17

On a quest for the Cox Plate and to take her place as the best in Australia, the Adam Tinder-trained Mystic Journey took her first steps to the spring with a convincing win in Saturday's Group II PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.

Making her first start since her emotional win in the rich All-Star Mile at Flemington on March 16, the Group 1 Australian Guineas winner extender her winning sequence to seven.

Advertisement

With regular rider Anthony Darmanin in the saddle, Mystic Journey came from one out and three back to run down the courageous Cliff's Edge (Canford Cliffs) by three-quarter of a length with old favourite Hartnell (GB) (Authorized) a long-neck back in third.


Purchased for $11,000 by Trinder out of the Armidale Stud draft at the 2017 Magic Millions Tasmanian yearling sale, Mystic Journey advances her record to 11 wins from 14 starts with earnings of $3,383,600.

"It's really pleasing to get them back to the races and see them do what you trust they're going to do," Trinder told AAP.

"This takes a little bit of pressure off and I feel she is where she needs to be."

Trinder said Mystic Journey was likely to start in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington on September 14 although the Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 31, is an option, before the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington and then the Cox Plate

"That's what I'm thinking standing here but I'll make up my mind as the week transpires," Trinder said.

"Looking at her presentation and her nostril flare directly, I think we won't see her for a month.

"If she is to run in the Memsie she'll remain here for a Cox Plate campaign because with fortnight racing I don't want to be travelling with her all the time.

"She is more comfortable in her own environment."

Mystic Journey is the best of three winners from four to race out of the Colombia mare White Gold who is a sister to the stakes-placed Oronero.

Bred by Ralph and Peta Zito, Mystic Journey is a three-quarter sister to the Listed winner Mystic Pursuit (Needs Further) who is out of White Gold's unraced half-sister Oh So Gold (Savoire Vivre).

A full-sister to Mystic Journey made $55,000 to the bid of Ross Wilkinson at last year's Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale. She has been named Emerald Crown.

White Gold was not covered in 2016 but had a Fighting Sun filly last spring and was bred back to Fiorente.

Armidale Stud's Needs Further is a Group winning son of the champion Encosta De Lago and a half-brother to Darley Stud's dual Group 1 winner Hallowed Crown.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Inglis Ready2Race breeze up footage NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
Progeny of the likes of Toronado, Exceed and Excel, Harry Angel, Zoustar and Ole Kirk were amongst the standout performers from breeze up sessions conducted this week in the lead up to the Inglis Ready2Race Sale on October 16, footage of which is now available online.
New Stakes-Winner for Zoustar
The $150,000 Listed Hannan’s Handicap (1400m) provided reigning champion sire Zoustar with a new stakes-winner when seven year-old gelding Multinational led for home and could not be caught.
Blueblood Fillies From $3million Mares
Tom Magnier has been notable for his purchase of elite race fillies and broodmares in recent years to enhance the stellar Coolmore broodmare band and two of his $3million plus mare purchases have produced stunning fillies this spring.
Bold by Name and Bold by Nature - Bold Star
And maybe a Star by name and nature as well, the Gordon Richards trained 4Y0 so impressive recording a a tough and determined victory in Saturday's $140,000 Listed Kensington Stakes at Flemington.
Breeding To Win – 2025 G1 Darley Flight Stakes
The prestigious Darley Princess Series reaches its crescendo this week with the 77th running of the $750,000 G1 ATC Flight Stakes (1600m) over Royal Randwick's famous mile.
2YO Stakes Racing – Sale Mail
Three stakes races for new season juveniles add plenty of interest to a stellar day of racing this Saturday in Sydney and Melbourne, so let’s take a look at the Sale Mail for these races.
Armidale Stud's Proud Cox Plate History
Saturday afternoon, across Tasmania racing fans will be crowding into their local TABs or sitting at home, glued to their television sets or computer screens, excitedly anticipating cheering on the much loved Betty - Mystic Journey - in the Group I WS Cox Plate.
Winning Run Continues for Needs Further
One weekend, three states, three winners.
Who Was Flight?
A G1 race since 1984, the Flight Stakes is a race won by special fillies - often the ones who go on to do extraordinary things on the track against all comers as older mares and that's as it should be as Hall Of Fame legend Flight exemplified that style of thoroughbred.
Melody Belle Daughter Set for Long Awaited Debut
It will be a full-circle moment for Te Akau Racing at The Valley on Friday night when Lyrics ‘N’ Song, a daughter of their former multiple Group One winner Melody Belle, makes her debut.