Elite Beau was the most expensive colt at the 2024 Perth Magic Millions and he lived up to a $375,000 price-tag with a powerful debut at Ascot on Wednesday.

The Yarradale Stud-bred graduate started a $2.80 favourite in a juvenile maiden and was given every chance after settling one out and two back for Willie Pike.  He joined a wall of horses passing the furlong pole before forging ahead for a three-quarter length victory over Pygmalion (Maschino) and Solar Chant (Earthlight).

Elite Beau (2c Brazen Beau - Burgoyne by War Chant) was the opening-leg of a winning treble for Yarradale at the midweek meeting and earned $19,250 at the first time of asking for a syndicate that includes China Horse Club, trainers Grant & Alana Williams and Yarradale owner Lyn Sayers.

He also on the way to fulfilling the high expectations of the Yarradale team after completing his yearling prep for last year’s Perth Magic Millions.  “He’s a standout and wouldn’t be out of place in any sale around Australia,” Stud Manager Davy Hanratty declared prior to that Swan Valley Sale.  “He’s a stunning physical and just oozes quality.”

Grant Williams admitted there were some nerves on the way to the races yesterday.  “We outlaid a lot of money but he’s a quality colt and we knew he would improve off his Belmont barrier trial win last month.”

Elite Beau will push on to the LR Perth Stakes (1100m) on April 12 if he comes through yesterday’s outing in good order.  All going well, the G2 Karrakatta Plate (1200m) is the goal on April 26 and he’s market-leader among the colts at $11 with TABtouch.

Pike has a few irons in the fire for the Karrakatta with fillies the calibre of Yes Queen (Yes Yes Yes), She's Hot (Hellbent), Snitzalatte (Snitzel) and God’s Rapture (Playing God).  “He was a bit hot before the race and I was a bit concerned…but not now,” The Wiz said back in the enclosure.

“He’s been well-educated but is still raw.  He didn’t have a clue out there and got the job done on natural ability.”

Elite Beau is a younger half-brother to LR Sir Ernest Lee-Steere Classic (1400m) winner Cashel Palace (Street Boss).  They’re the first two foals from Belmont 2yo winner Burgoyne and her most recent cover was to Playing God in the first week of last year’s breeding season.

Homebred 3yo Flagship (War Chant) claimed the second leg of the Yarradale treble in the MCA Hcp (1200m) and Yarradale-bred graduate Uukhai (Snippetson) completed a big day at Ascot for the Gidgegannup team in the Wittens Irrigation & Design Hcp (1100m).

Elite Beau in full cry at Ascot / Photo: Western Racepix