The open juvenile event at Caulfield on Saturday looked a high class contest on paper featuring a strong representation of bluebloods and expensive yearlings with victory going to Charge Forward colt Ollivander, a $70,000 Inglis Classic purchase from the draft of Newgate Farm.
Ollivander was among the last to begin under Chris Symons who took advantage of an inside barrier and drove up into a midfield spot.
Pulled to the middle of the track to mount his challenge, Ollivander powered home to win the 1100 metre scamper by a length.
Ollivander is trained on the track by Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra.
“He was a bit slow away which had him settle a bit further back than we thought,” Ellerton said.
“He’d trialled well at home, his work on Tuesday was good and he’s come here and got through the traffic for a good win.
“He’s a leggy, fine sort of horse who has got his best in front of him I think.
“He’s quite immature and got here of his own accord – we haven’t overtaxed him at home and he’s got a bright future.
“We might bring him back here for the Blue Diamond Preview race on Boxing Day but we’ll see how he pulls up first.”
Raised at Newgate Farm, Ollivander was a successful pinhook having been bought from the Arrowfield draft at the Magic Millions National Weanling Sale for $20,000. He is the first foal of the unraced Flying Spur mare Ebony Wand who died recently.
Ebony Wand was a half-sister to Group III winner She’s Clean out of the stakes-placed End Sweep (USA) mare Feather Duster who is a half-sister to Champion Sprinter/Miler in Japan in 2010 and promising young stallion Kinshasa No Kiseki.
Feather Duster is also a half-sister to the dam of Group I ATC Australian Oaks winner Absolutely and Group I Schweppes Oaks winner Abbey Marie.
Newgate Farm will be super busy over the next few months with 43 yearlings going to Magic Millions on the Gold Coast and then 27 youngsters heading to the Inglis Classic February, click here to see the draft.