Exciting Starcraft youngster Secret Hills made it two wins from two runs this preparation when he demolished his rivals in the Echuca Workers and Services Club Handicap (1200m) at Moonee Valley today.
Sent out the second favourite after an impressive first up win at Bendigo a fortnight ago, Secret Hills controlled the race from the front throughout.
He was allowed to slip clear of his rivals approaching the turn by rider Craig Newitt and in a matter of a few strides the result was never in doubt.
At the post Secret Hills ($5.50) raced clear to beat the favourite Upbeat ($3.80) by three and three quarter lengths – a margin which could have been five lengths if required.
Darley runner Graskop ($6.50) was the best of the rest in third place, a further half length back.
Secret Hills is trained at Caulfield by Mick Price and his foreman Mick Nolan couldn’t help but be impressed by the victory,
“He really stood up to the city grade today,” Nolan said. “It was a brilliant ride from Froggy.”
“Before the race everyone said there was plenty of pace, but Froggy went out there positive like all good jockeys do.”
“There wasn’t that much pace and then he slowed them up,” he added.
“This is not a bad little horse. He’s still a very immature horse in his head. But he’s been a very tough horse since day one.”
“I think he’s got a fair little future this horse,” Nolan summed up.
A $40,000 purchase for leading agent Paul Willetts at the 2009 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale, Secret Hills was bred by Melbourne Cup winning jockey Scott Seamer.
He was sold at the Gold Coast by Seamer’s good friend and highly regarded Queensland horsewoman Robyn Wise.
“Scott and (wife) Louise have had a good week as breeders with Shezamyth, who they also sold through my draft at the Magics, winning in Sydney on Wednesday,” Wise noted.
“They do a good job with their band of mares,” she added. “They sold one at the Gold Coast which has gone and won in Japan as well.”
Secret Hills is one of four winners produced by the imported Danehill mare Hill of Peace.
Successful as a two-year-old, Hill of Peace is a half sister to three stakes performers including dual Curragh Cup winner Mzuki and and French stakes winner Alliteration.
The latest yearling from Hill of Peace, a filly by Tale of the Cat, was recently sold for $14,000 at the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale at the Gold Coast.
Winner: Secret Hills
Breeding: Starcraft-Hill of Peace (Danehill)
Race: MVRC Echuca Workers and Services Club Handicap (1200m)
Sold for: $40,000
Sale: 2009 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale
Vendor: Robyn Wise (As Agent)
Buyer: Paul Willetts
Earnings: $59,775
Owner(s): Gurners Bloodstock Synd (Mgr: A Ramsden), Estate DC Christensen, R & C Legh Racing Synd, P Barnett, K Hayes, K Quirk, S Tsalikidis & Wright Racing
Trainer: Mick Price (Caulfield)
