Niagara burst into contention for the Group One Doncaster with a stunning win in Saturday’s Group Two Ajax Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill.

On a big day for champion trainer Gai Waterhouse, Niagara lived up to his looks and pedigree when he thumped his rivals by three and a half lengths.

A $620,000 purchase for Waterhouse from the 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Niagara has always been a colt held in high regard by connections.

“I loved every minute of it,” Waterhouse told reporters after the race. “I’ve always had a high opinion of this colt.”

“He was a magnificent yearling, by the great Encosta de Lago, out of an amazing mare. He has a physique to die for and he just jumped and said see you later.”

“He was too strong for them today,” she continued.

“In the Sandown Guineas he was beaten a nostril and was still not quite furnished. He is a particularly furnished colt now and whatever he runs in he will be hard to beat.”

Winning rider Tommy Berry has teamed up with Waterhouse for a number of big race wins in recent times, including a Magic Millions Classic with Driefontein, 

“He put the race away after the first 100 metres,” the top rider said.

“He is quick out of the gates. I revved him up to get across, he relaxed well and had an easy time in front.”

“He definitely has a good lightweight chance (in the Doncaster). He is easy to ride, you can put him wherever you want and he will relax.”

“I would be very happy if I had the ride – I’ll be telling Gai that!”

The 87th individual stakes winner for super Coolmore Stud sire Encosta de Lago, Niagara is one of two winners for his dam, the Fusaichi Pegasus mare River Song.

Unraced, River Song is a half sister to the group winning juvenile Murjana as well as Celebria – the Sydney winning dam of Group One winner Gathering and group placed Florentina.

Niagara’s third dam is none other than Dancing Show – the dam of Umatilla and Hurricane Sky and grandam of Redoute’s Choice, Platinum Scissors, Manhattan Rain and Al Maher.

Winner: Niagara
Breeding: Encosta de Lago-River Song (Fusaichi Pegasus)
Race: ATC Ajax Stakes G2 (1500m)
Sold for: $620,000
Sale: 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Coolmore Stud (As Agent)
Buyer: Gai Waterhouse
Earnings: $238,580
Owner(s): Mrs Y Smith, J Tan, Tabor Syndicate (Mgr: M Tabor), Coolmore Syndicate (Mgr: S Magnier), D Henderson, Bangaloe Stud Syndicate (Mgr: J Ritche) & A Bruhn
Trainer: Gai Waterhouse (Randwick)