The Next Episode is still about $2 million short of recouping his purchase price, even after his win in Friday night’s $1 million feature on the Gold Coast, but there would be few rising three-year-olds in training that connections would swap him for.
The Ciaron Maher-trained son of Snitzel enhanced his reputation as one of the most exciting horses in the country with victory in the Magic Millions National 2YO Classic.
The $2.8 million Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling picked up $600,000 for the third win of his five-start career, which took his earnings to around $800,000, with the promise of more to come.
“He’s a very, very, very good colt,” Maher emphasised.
“It was a bit of a plan for a while, this race. He showed us he had plenty of ability early and we just had to wait for him and this prep he’s really shown his class.
“To do it like that, it’s pretty exciting for the future. The owners have all stumped up a bit of cash for him and, so far, he looks cheap.”
The Next Episode overcame a dreaded pre-race veterinary inspection after playing up in the gates, and what has been a customary tardy getaway, to steam over the top of his rivals and score a stunning win in the 1000-metre event.
The $1.70 favourite with bookies defeated $3.10 second favourite Natural Fling by 1-1/2 lengths with Lucky Pat ($20) a further length back third.
As he has done for all but his first start, The Next Episode was ridden by multiple Group 1-winning jockey Jason Collett, who offered glowing endorsement of the performance.
“His ability is quite scary,” Collett said.
“His turn of foot is so good. I don’t know if I’ve ever ridden a horse with a turn of foot like this, it’s just electric.”
