The Next Episode (AUS)
2 c Snitzel ex Humma Humma by Denman
O: P M Cunningham, Widden Stud Pty Ltd, Ciaron Maher Racing, W J Betar, P S Frampton, C Massie, P Trainor, J M Simmons, Ms S M Fitzgerald, A K Racing & Ms S Hill
B: Widden Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Warringah Stud Farm, Frampton Racing, NSW
T: Ciaron Maher
S: 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale V: Widden Stud P: Ciaron Maher Bloodstock, $2,800,000
W: Asahi Super Dry Maiden Handicap, 1000m, March 11, Warwick Farm
Ciaron Maher’s high-priced Snitzel (Redoute’s Choice) colt The Next Episode confirmed his potential when breaking maiden status at the second time of asking over 1000 metres at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
The colt matched the highest price ever recorded for a yearling by his star-crossed sire when bringing $2.8 million at Magic Millions Gold Coast last year and he debuted in the Golden Gift (1100m) last November, finishing 11th in the $1 million juvenile feature.
He had since trialled twice at Warwick Farm under Jason Collett, the latest an eye-catching win on March 2.
Partnered by Collett again on Wednesday, the two-year-old was briefly caught behind runners but showed a good turn of foot when the gap came to defeat Under Focus (Too Darn Hot) by a length. Steel Will (I Am Invincible) was a further 0.6 lengths away in third.
“It was a tough watch for a bit, but he’s got a very good turn of foot,” said stable representative Johann Gerard-Dubord.
“We saw that in his trial last week, and Jason was well aware, so he just had to be patient and once he had the gap, it was very impressive.
“He’s a very well-bred horse and was an expensive yearling. He’s always been showing plenty of talent, that’s why we got him ready for the Golden Gift last prep, but things didn’t work out on the day.
“He was drawn badly, got a bit of a squeeze at the start and pulled up a bit off after the race. So we just gave him some time to mature and come right. He’s a lovely horse going forward and is very talented. It’s great to get a win for a nice group of owners.”
Bred by Widden Stud in partnership and offered in their draft at the Gold Coast, The Next Episode was bought by his trainer and ownership group and races in the Rebel Racing colours of prominent UK owner Phil Cunningham.
He is the first winner out of Group 3 winner Humma Humma (Denman), herself a half-sister to stakes score Tycoon Humma (Capitalist).
The Next Episode’s I Am Invincible (Invincible Spirit) half-brother will be offered by Widden Stud as Lot 341 at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale later this month.