Star Witness's Aim Scores Jaw Dropping Win at Randwick

Mark Smith - Saturday December 21

The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Aim was promoted to the top line of betting for the $2 million Magic Millions 2yo Classic after keeping his record at a perfect two for two following his runaway win in Saturday’s Tab Venue Mode Hcp (1200m) at Randwick.

The son of Star Witness was last early as Hinchbeast cut out fast sectionals in front. But he tracked up along the rail with little urging by Tommy Berry and by the time they came to the home straight Aim was in a challenging position and looking for some clear air.Home alone - Aim wins by a space image Steve Hart

When it came, Aim put the race to bed in a matter of strides, putting four lengths on his stablemate Stellar Pauline (Not A Single Doubt) with Hinchbeast (Hinchinbrook) a further three lengths back in third.

Bookmakers have had a change of heart over Aim’s debut win in a mid-weeker at Rosehill back on December 11.

They did not rate that form but the horse he beat at Rosehill, Chris Waller’s I Am Invincible colt Blondeau has joined Aim at the top of betting for the Magic Millions 2yo Classic despite not having a run since.

Tommy Berry said Aim possesses all the attributes to be a major contender in the 2yo Classic.

“He’s a horse who has taken everything in his stride. "Pete (Snowden) said it was very important not to chase that speed, just let him get him in his comfort zone even if he's spotting them a start," Berry said.

"He said at the half mile he will drag you into the race and he sure did and I got there way to easy. He's got plenty more in store so bring on the Magic Millions.Aim - Tommy Berry next stop Magic Millions

“He's doing everything effortlessly at the moment, he handles every condition and he can race off the speed.

"There's always plenty of genuine speed in the Magic Millions and it takes a nice horse to come off the speed and beat them but I think he's the one to do it."

Peter Snowden said the son of Star Witness has a great attitude.

"Ability is one thing but if you've got the demeanour to go with it then that takes you a fair way," Snowden said.Aim as a yearling

“The 1200 metres is no problem and I’m confident he will get a deal further later on but it’s good to see him doing that now, it’s very encouraging.  

Advertisement

"I was worried the run wasn't coming but the way he was travelling he made his own run, he pushed into the clear and once he got clear he just extended beautifully and kept going right through the line, so it was a good watch."

Bred by B2B Bloodstock, Aim was purchased by China Horse Club/Newgate Bloodstock for $200,000 out of the Newhaven Stud draft at the Gold Coast.

He is the third foal of the winning Smart Strike mare Vintage Strike (USA) who was one of the foals left in the USA by the Group 1 Coolmore Classic winner Bollinger (Dehere), which also included the Grade II winner Friesan Fire (AP Indy).

Bollinger is herself a daughter of the Golden Slipper winner and great broodmare Bint Marscay.

Repatriated to Australia, Bollinger is the dam of the Group II Sandown Guineas winner Villermont (All Too Hard).

B2B Thoroughbreds are consigning yearlings this year under their own banner and will offer the full brother to Aim as Lot 21 at Magic Millions 2020.

Vintage Strike has also foaled this spring producing a colt by Written Tycoon.

It’s a rare day that Widden Stud’s Star Witness does not have a winner somewhere in Australia and he has strong representation at upcoming sales with 19 yearlings for Magic Millions and 20 for Inglis Classic.

Visit the profile page for Star Witness

Star Witness in upcoming sales:
Advertisment

Race Result - Tab Venue Mode Hcp 1200m

Randwick Track: Good(4) Time: 1:10.35
1
Aim
- 2c Star Witness (AUS) x Vintage Strike (USA) (Smart Strike (CAN))
Tnr: P & P Snowden Rdr: Tommy Berry 57.5
2
4.0
Stellar Pauline
- 2f Not A Single Doubt (AUS) x Negotiate (AUS) (Red Ransom (USA))
Tnr: P & P Snowden Rdr: K Mc Evoy 55.5
3
7.0
Hinchbeast
- 2c Hinchinbrook (AUS) x Shamrock Slipper (AUS) (Jet Spur (AUS))
Tnr: Bjorn Baker Rdr: J Bowman 58
4
7.2
Jemss
- 2f Exosphere (AUS) x Carbon Tax (AUS) (More Than Ready (USA))
Tnr: David Payne Rdr: J R Collett 54
5
8.4
The Big Easy
- 2c Written Tycoon (AUS) x Sunday Chill (AUS) (Flying Spur (AUS))
Tnr: C Maher & D Eustace Rdr: R Dolan 53.5
6
9.3
Aeecee Power
- 2f Street Boss (USA) x Warrington (AUS) (Fastnet Rock (AUS))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: G Boss 53.5
7
10.1
Narvaez
- 2c Vancouver (AUS) x Headway (AUS) (Charge Forward (AUS))
Tnr: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rdr: Tim Clark 55
8
10.3
Namazu
- 2c Medaglia D'Oro (USA) x Earthquake (AUS) (Exceed And Excel (AUS))
Tnr: James Cummings Rdr: Rachel King 55.5
9
11.9
Brash Sammy
- 2c Statue Of Liberty (USA) x Repour (AUS) (Reset (AUS))
Tnr: J G Sargent Rdr: L Magorrian 55.5
10
12.2
Chilliwack
- 2c Exceed And Excel (AUS) x Raspberries (AUS) (Lonhro (AUS))
Tnr: James Cummings Rdr: N Rawiller 56
11
19.9
Titan Star
- 2c Rubick (AUS) x Sporty Spur (AUS) (Flying Spur (AUS))
Tnr: M F Van Gestel Rdr: Brock Ryan 50
More Reading...
$400,000 Invincible Filly a Grand Investment
A three-quarter sister-in-blood to dual Group I winning mare Charm Stone, stakes-placed I Am Invincible filly Naifah always looked well bought at the 2025 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale for $400,000.
Sires With Winners - Thursday October 23
Here is the full list of 26 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
2025 G1 Spring Champion – Pedigree Preview
A lot of attention is paid to the sprinting three year-old division and much less so to the stayers, but with $2million in prizemoney the Group I ATC Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday has attracted a full field of 14 and all of them are on trial at the trip.
End Of An Era - 2025 G1 Cox Plate
“There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still” - Franklin D Roosevelt.
$140,000 NZB Ready to Run Graduate Books Ticket to G1 Victoria Derby
Bred for stamina being by Melbourne Cup winner Shoicking from a daughter of Tavistock, talented Kiwi bred three-year-old Azazel has booked his passage for the Gr.1 VRC Derby (2500m) on Saturday week after a tough victory in the Listed Roderick Insurance Brokers 3YO Geelong Classic (2200m) at Geelong on Thursday.
One To Watch – Belmont
We look far and wide to highlight Breednet’s ‘One To Watch’ and today’s winner of the first race at Belmont, 3yo D’Argento filly Ladies Pro, won in the manner of a horse with a nice future and in the process shone a spotlight on her sire who recorded his ninth winner so far this month.
Tarzino Stayer Wins G3 Geelong Cup
Trainer Paul Preusker will get another tilt at a Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) after Torranzino ran out a strong winner of the Gr.3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on Thursday.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday October 22
Here is the full list of 37 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
One to Watch – Mornington
In Cox Plate week it only seems fitting that the 2013 winner Shamus Award would give us a ‘One to Watch’ at Mornington on Thursday.
Bold Showing Tipped for Yes Yes Yes 2YO
Speed Demon will be given every opportunity to live up to his name when he makes his debut at Ellerslie.