The Bjorn Baker-trained four-year-old gelding Midnight Dynamite (Pierata) has enjoyed an outstanding late autumn and winter campaign, adding a second Listed victory to with a dominant performance in the Listed Winter Challenge Stakes to compliment his Listed Civic Stakes success in late June.
The race unfolded perfectly for Tommy Berry, who settled Midnight Dynamite in an ideal position about fifth, one-off the fence, as noted front-runners Whinchat (Russian Revolution) and Cool Jakey (Pierro) ensured a genuine tempo in the testing conditions.
Travelling strongly throughout, the Pierata gelding cruised into contention while still on the bridle approaching the 250-metre mark before quickly putting the race beyond doubt. He surged clear to score by just under three lengths.
Just Folk (Magnus), who settled one position ahead of the winner in running, battled on well to claim second, while the ever-consistent and honest General Salute (Russian Revolution) finished strongly for third.
His campaign may be extended to another run as the stable look to qualify him for the Big Dance.
“We’re mindful he’s had a long ‘prep’ so we’ll see how he comes through, but the initial plan is Coff’s Harbour” trainer Bjorn Baker ‘s racing manager, Luke Hilton, said.
“We’d like to get him into the Big Dance if he can run a mile which, off that, it looks like he might.
“He has come to a new level this preparation. Even looking at him, I still don’t think we’ve got to the bottom of him. He’s going to be a better horse next preparation.
“He’s one of those Bjorn has been patient with. He’s got better and better each preparation. He’s reaping the benefits now and more to come hopefully.”
Sales info: Midnight Dynamite was purchased for $100,000 by the Redwall Syndicate from the Rheinwood Pastoral draft at the 2022 Inglis Australian Weanling Sale.
He was later passed in at $80,000 at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, before being secured by Darby Racing for $48,000 at the 2023 Inglis HTBA Yearling Sale from the Widden Stud draft.
Pedigree info: Midnight Dynamite is one of three winners out of the dual-winning Al Maher mare Talented Miss.
Talented Miss is a full-sister to the Listed-placed Acouplamas (Al Maher), who has produced outstanding performers including Gr.1 Australian Derby winner and stallion Quick Thinker, Gr.3 winner Seasons (Sebring), and multiple winner and Gr.3-placegetter The August – Sengon Soloman (Mal.) (I Am Invincible).
Written for TTRAusNZ
