Written by Paul Vettise
Dreams were realised at the Gold Coast where super filly Exhilarates (Snitzel) was crowned the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic queen and there was also plenty to crow about for Godolphin at Flemington.
The blue army showcased another quality youngster at Victorian headquarters with Microphone (Exceed And Excel) sounding a bold statement on debut with his victory in The Arbour Plate. And just for good measure, barn mate Auxin (Exceed And Excel), showed he too had a bright future with a solid display for third.
Microphone had been a jump-out winner on the course under race day jockey Dwayne Dunn, who was more than happy to let the colt do his own thing in the running on Saturday when the field split into two divisions down the straight course.
"He had trialled really well down the straight out wide so I was happy to go there." – Dwayne Dunn.
”He had trialled really well down the straight out wide so I was happy to go there,” he said. “He got a bit lost out there late, but he's a really nice horse.
“We stamped him early as a really nice horse and he stood up which is great.
“He’s a lovely horse, but in the yard he just wants to play. He’s just a lad and he’ll settle down.
“Once I got on him he was fine and got the job done. It’s an exciting time for the Godolphin team.”
Microphone after his Flemington win
Microphone made his mark down the centre of the track and plotting a lone furrow proved to be the golden path with the 2-year-old showing diligence to get the job done at the first time of asking at the expense of the only filly in the contest, Tony McEvoy’s Pretty Brazen (Brazen Beau).
Dunn is now hopeful that trainer James Cummings will keep Microphone in Melbourne with the possibility of a late entry for next month’s G1 Blue Diamond S.
”I was trying to get James to head in that direction, but I don't think he's nominated.” – Dwayne Dunn.
”I was trying to get James to head in that direction, but I don't think he's nominated," Dunn said.
“He's nominated for the Golden Slipper. I was concerned that they might get this done, get some prize money, and then head him Slipper way. I'm not sure. They'll make that decision.”
While Exhilarates’ Magic Millions success was part of Godolphin’s yearling buying strategy, Microphone has come through their own breeding system and is a half-brother to two other winners with their dam the Anabaa (USA) mare Sung.
Microphone is by Darley stallion, Exceed And Excel
She was a talent in her own right and won the Listed Dark Jewel Classic and is a sister to the champion sprinter Yell, winner of the G1 Orr S., G1 Futurity S. and G1 Australia S. winner Yell.
It is also the family of the G1 QTC Sires’ Produce S. and G1 Queensland Classic winner Anthems (Palace Music {USA}) and the G1 Canterbury S. winner Holler (Commands).
“He had to do it all on his own and that’s a really impressive start to his racing career.” – Kate Grimwade.
“He had to do it all on his own and that’s a really impressive start to his racing career,” Godolphin’s Kate Grimwade said of Microphone. “He rolled up his sleeves and just got on with it.”
Godolphin's Kate Grimwade
The stable were also thrilled with the first-up effort of Auxin, who raced in the outside division and was strong to the line.
“He’s a beautiful, scopey horse who will just get better and better with age,” Grimwade said.
Another home-bred, he is a son of Caline (Elusive Quality {USA}) who is a half-sister to the G2 Pago Pago S. winner Tarquin (Hard Spun {USA}) with their dam Daanet Al Dunya (USA) (Rahy {USA}) a sister to the multiple Group 1 winner and successful sire Fantastic Light (USA).
