Expensive yearling purchase Millane has made the perfect start to his career with victory at Flemington.
The Peter Moody-trained two-year-old took out the Listed Australian Childhood Foundation Plate (1000m) on Saturday in another important victory for the Victorian Alliance.
Purchased for $1.15 million at the Easter Sales in Sydney last year, Millane is a son of Zoustar and joins stablemate Brereton as a member of the Victorian Alliance to register a black type win.
The Victorian Alliance, led by Rosemont Stud, was formed last year to unearth suitable stallions to stand at the farm when their racing days are over.
“It’s great that we’ve been able to pull the partners together that we have,” Rosemont Stud’s Anthony Mithen said.
“We have outstanding success in Victoria and to have had success with Brereton before Christmas and to get Hafey into the Blue Diamond, and now get a stakes race with two weeks to the 2022 Golden Slipper.
“You’ve got to live the dream and thankfully our team is seeing them really well.”
Ridden by Luke Nolen, Millane ($6) scored by 1-¼ lengths from the $3.10 favourite Wee Nessy with outsider Sketched ($51) the same margin off third.
Nolen was having his first ride after escaping injury in a freak accident at Sandown on Wednesday.
“I was fortunate that I was wearing a helmet and a vest at the time,” Nolen said.
“(The horse) collected the left side of my head and my left shoulder so we got out of it pretty good.
“That’s in the rear vision mirror now and we look forward to the next chapter.”
Nolen said Millane had taken time to find his mark but had made good progression this preparation.
“I was really happy with how he got into a position, and he showed real quality there,” Nolen said.
“He’s a nice horse with a deep pedigree.
“I’m not sure where he gets to in the scheme of things distance-wise, but the camp will no doubt position him where he’ll be effective.”
