River’s Lane burst into contention for next month’s Adelaide Cup with a stunning win in today’s listed Birthday Cup (1800m) at Morphettville.

The gelded son of Street Cry showed a blistering turn on foot after leading into the straight to leave his rivals in a race for the minor placings.

Cruising to the line under Todd Pannell, River’s Lane had a two and a half length margin over his rivals in an all Magic Millions finish. Foxham was second and Kert third.

A $21,000 purchase from the Magic Millions Adelaide Thoroughbred Sale, River’s Lane has earned almost $250,000 and that figure looks set to rise over the coming weeks.

Trainer David Balfour has always had a good opinion of River’s Lane, who earlier in his career contested the Caulfield Guineas.

River’s Lane also ran third to Pluralism in the Magic Millions Adelaide 2YO Classic in 2009 at Morphettville.

He has now won three of his past four runs and has relished his distances being increased to and past a mile.

By Shocking’s sire Street Cry, River’s Lane is now the winner of six races.

He is the first winner for his dam, the unraced and well related Made of Gold mare Star Maid.

A daughter of the city winning mare National Star, Star Maid is a full sister to the group winner and triple stakes winner Cosmic Strike. She in turn is the dam of stakes placed filly Luce del Mare.

Further back in the family is the former outstanding Adelaide flyer New Atlantis.

Winner: River’s Lane (Street Cry-Star Maid)
Sold for: $21,000
Sale: 2008 Magic Millions Adelaide Thoroughbred Sale
Vendor: Owner
Buyer: Magic Millions as agent
Earnings: $247,190
Owner(s): Mr JM Carvill, Mr BJ Biasi, Mr S Maglieri, Tunku Shahabuddin, Mr P Kristoris & Mr IW Waters
Trainer: David Balfour (Morphettville)