The pedigree of JHB-purchased Magic Millions and Golden Slipper winner Capitalist is already one of the best in Australia, with the likes of Golden Slipper winner Merlene, Group 1 winning sprinter Miss Pennymoney, VRC Oaks winner Dear Demi and top 2YO filly of her year Bold Promise, all featuring. Capitalist is the most recent black type winner to adorn this pedigree, and on Wednesday at Canterbury another to carry the green and gold JHB silks, Mediterranean, put up his hand to become the next such galloper from the family with an impressive maiden victory.
Mediterranean is, by virtue of his own dam Ekali being a half-sister to Capitalist’s dam Kitalpha, a cousin of Capitalist. He is a colt who has always shown a great deal of ability in his trackwork, and after a couple of decent efforts in top company last preparation he has returned this time a bigger, stronger colt. After two impressive barrier trial victories, the latter a five and a half length demolition job, Mediterranean was sent off a $1.50 favourite to break his maiden at Canterbury and did so in effortless style, making a very early run from back in the field and much too good despite having to travel very wide. Further merit to the performance comes from a look at the times, with his final 600m comfortably the fastest of the day.
A $280,000 purchase from the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Mediterranean is now likely to work towards the good Spring races, when he will hopefully join his cousin as the latest black type winner from this ever productive family.
Thanks to Peter & Paul Snowden for another beautifully prepared colt and to Kerrin McEvoy for a cool ride at the tricky Canterbury track. Congratulations to owners Belinda Bateman, Newgate SF, Matthew Sandblom (who also bred Mediterranean), Fergus & Delia Doyle, John & Fran Ingham, Donna & Rob Love, Gary Diamond, Danny & Pauline Saab and Gurmet Singh.