Blackiston extends himself to get Agent
Nigel Blackiston didn’t know whether he could afford Inside Agent when the colt was offered as a yearling in New Zealand.
The Flemington trrainer put together an ownership group to eventually secure him for $180,000.
It may prove to be cheap after Inside Agent landed the Listed Poseidon Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Sunday at his second race start.
A half-sister to Inside Agent fetched $600,000 at the New Zealand Premier Yearling Sale earlier this year.
Ridden by Michael Walker, Inside Agent ($7) scored a half-length win from Magnarock ($41) with Peacock ($9) 1-1/2 lengths away third.
“We saw him over in New Zealand about six months before the sale and I loved him then,” Blackiston said.
“We wanted to buy him but I wasn’t sure we could afford him.
“It’s the most I’ve spent but I got people involved and it’s worked out really well.
“It’s a beautiful pedigree and it’s very exciting to come and win a Listed race at his second start.”
Blackiston said Inside Agent would now head to the Gothic Stakes at Caulfield on October 15 before the Group Three Carbine Club Stakes at Flemington on October 29.
“The plan has always been to get him to the Carbine Club Stakes,” Blackiston said.
“I think that’s a nice level for him this time in and I hope he can make a Guineas horse in the autumn.”
Walker said the decision to ride Inside Agent quietly was made before the strong wind started at Flemington.
The jockey said from the time he first sat on the colt he had a high opinion of the three-year-old.
“He doesn’t know a lot about racing,” Walker said.
“He was very green and only applied himself when the second horse came up to him.
“He’s got a future.”
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