Break the Ice will be set for the Group One Queensland Derby after breaking his maiden status in style in the $100,000 Starcraft 3YO Handicap (2200m) at the Gold Coast today.

A member of the Peter Balzen stable, Break the Ice produced a powerful sustained finish to run down his rivals and win by a long neck.

The promising young stayer was purchased as a yearling across the road to the famous Magic Millions Sales Complex and is raced by Sydney radio star Ray Hadley and his good mate Dave McSeveny.

Break the Ice is a son of exciting young Raheen Stud stallion Stromberg Carlson.

He caught the eye of his trainer at last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

“He was a good type of colt,” Balzen said. “The mother was trained by Gai Waterhouse and I knew the guy who strapped her.”

“He said she should have won a few more races. She apparently had a good deal of ability, but bled.”

With his first win locked in and a bright future in store for his owners, Break the Ice has already earned almost $70,000.

Aside from the horse’s immediate connections, one of the happiest men on track was Raheen Stud’s Basil Nolan who is at the Gold Coast with another quality draft.

“He looks a very promising horse and it’s great to see another Stromberg winning a good race,” Nolan said.

“We’ve got some lovely yearlings to sell by him over the coming months,” he added.

PIC – Dan Costello