The James McDonald milestone first win in South Australia added another layer to a strong performance by Tycoon Star (Written Tycoon) as he picked up his third Group win in a tough on-pace victory for the Will Hayes, Ben and JD Hayes team in the Gr.2 Tobin Bronze Stakes.
Caught three wide on speed after Legacy Bound (Ole Kirk) led from the inside and Lawborough (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) sat outside, Tycoon Star had little favours in running – but proved too strong late.
He sustained the effort, took over around the 250 metre mark and held off challengers to score by a length from Extragalactic (Deep Field), with Sir Myka (Doubtland) producing a brave effort at odds to finish third.
“That was a terrific win. He’s had a frustrating preparation. He arguably should have won the last two, but he’s found a way to get beat. But I thought, with the addition of visors and James really giving him the go, that was a really good win and really exciting for some good clients of ours in Yulong as well.” Will Hayes said.
“He’s a very talented galloper. He’s just one of the horses that seems to find a way to get one beat, especially early in a prep. But can’t fault him today. He did it the hard way, after 200 metres, it quickly looked like we were going to get posted three deep. James didn’t panic, he sat there and gave a good kick.”
“So he won with authority today, which gives us confidence if we are to target a Group One.”
McDonald echoed the improvement shown with the gear change.
“It was a terrific win. He really put him to the sword at the furlong marker, which was pretty pleasing because he’s lacked that in the past. I think the visors have been a masterstroke with the blinker change, and he just probably could be able to feel them coming a little bit more, and he was pretty genuine to the line.” McDonald said.
“He’s a talented horse. His form speaks for itself, he’s around the mark all the time. He showed great desire there but I think the difference was the visors on. He was able to see them coming.”
Sales Info: Milburn Creek presented the colt at the Magic Millions Gold Coast National Weanling Sale in 2023, where he caught the eye of Yulong Investments and was knocked down to them for $350,000.
Pedigree Info: Tycoon Star is the first foal out of Miss Iano (Equano {FR}), who was an eight-time winning sprinter and stakes placed in the Gr.3 Begonia Belle Stakes.
Miss Iano, in recent times, has left a 2-year-old colt named Marffiano (Home Affairs), a yearling colt by Written Tycoon, and was served by Written Tycoon last December.
Written for TTRAusNZ
