Musket two year-old Stocky graduated from a debut win at Gosford to keep his record intact at Randwick on Wednesday.

Stocky (2g Musket – Dial A Mood by Geiger Counter) landed a last-stride victory in the Australian Turf Club Hcp (1100m) from Pirandello (Excellent Art) and Supreme Joy (Lonhro).

The win helped Hugh Bowman maintain his lead in the Sydney jockeys’ premiership and he was very impressed with the son of Yarradale Stud sire Musket.  “He did that on natural ability,” Bowman said.  “He had a good look around and I had to keep his mind on the job in the straight.

“But I liked the way he knuckled down and got to the line.”

Stocky is a homebred for Brian Stockwell who owns a farm next to Darley’s Twin Hills Stud at Cootamundra.  He sent Dial A Mood to Musket before the stallion relocated to Yarradale Stud in Western Australia.

Stocky is prepared by veteran Warwick Farm trainer David Mills and he may give the gelding one more run before a spell.  “He’s still immature in mind and body,” Mills said.  “I didn’t really expect to get a start out of him this preparation.”

Musket (Redoute’s Choice) is a three-quarter brother to Makybe Diva and was a Group 2 winner of the Shannon Stakes at Rosehill.  He stood a sole season at Twin Hills before transferring to WA.

Yarradale owner Ron Sayers also purchased Scandal Keeper (Danzig) from Darley and he covered a full book of 159 mares last year.

There have only been five runners from Musket’s first crop.  The David Payne trained youngster Rutherglen moved him off the mark with a Newcastle victory earlier this year.

Yarradale Stud will stand Musket for an $8,800 (inc gst) service fee this year.

- Karl Patterson

STOCKY
Son of Musket scores on debut at Gosford before graduating to a city victory at Randwick
Photo / Bradley Photographers