ILLUSTRIOUSLY bred Excites gelding Black Jag broke through for a well earned win in decisive fashion when he powered home to score the ATC Hyland Race Colours Handicap (1900m) at Canterbury on Wednesday.
The Chris Waller trained first crop son of Excites was sent out favourite for the restricted event over 1900 metres and was perfectly ridden by Jason Collett, who produced him late to score a length and a half win.
“He’s been gradually getting there and he’s got the job done today,” Waller said.
Black Jag has won just two races, but has placed a further eight times earning prizmoney in excess of $95,000 and now that he’s broken the ice it will be no surprise to see him go right on with it.
A $110,000 graduate from the Magic Millions National Horses in Training Sale at the Gold Coast, Black Jag (pictured as a yearling) was originally purchased for $75,000 from the Southern Cross Breeders draft at the 2010 Magic Millions.
Bred by Alison and Peter Hodges at Riversdale Farm, Black Jag is a handsome near black gelding from the Thunder Gulch (USA) mare I’m a Showoff, a grand-daughter of former top racemare and good producer Stage Hit.
Black Jag is from the first crop of Group 1 winning 2YO Excites which also includes the stakeswinner Flag Officer and talented Queensland filly Amber’s Crown who has earned connection over $260,000 so far.
Black Jag’s is a direct descendant of the ace filly Stage Hit, herself a daughter of the influential matron Oh Calcutta.