By Alan Carasso
Sent off at odds just shy of 11-1 in Sunday's Kranji Nursery S., a conditions race, Jupiter Gold (Aus) (Congrats) looked hopelessly beaten when last into the straight, but conjured up a massive late rally to win a touch cosily in the finish. Drawn two from the outside, the ridgling was last into stride and was driven along from the tail while a bit green. Still at the back and with the better part of 10 lengths to find as they cornered in, Jupiter Gold was switched out while making progress 200 metres out and was home his final quarter mile in a fancy :22.93 to take it by a length. “He cost A$130,000 as a yearling and he had ability from Day 1. He's been working very well,” said winning trainer Hideyuki Takaoka, better known for his work with staying types. “He had only one barrier trial and ran very well. I wanted to run him in a second trial but it was too late, and thought I would just take a chance. He's not a sprinter. The owner bought him with the longer distances in mind, and winning over 1000m first-up was a bonus. The fast pace suited him and he will be even better over longer.” Jupiter Gold's dam, a daughter of SW & G1SP Merry Shade (Aus) (Spectacular Spy) and descending from the further female family of the legendary sprinter Takeover Target (Aus) (Celtic Swing {GB}), was purchased carrying this produce for A$90,000 at the 2012 Inglis Sydney Broodmare Sale. After foaling a filly by Big Brown in 2014, Contented was sold in foal to Casino Prince (Aus) for A$30,000 at the 2015 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale. Exported to New Zealand, she produced a colt by that sire last October and was bred back to Sacred Falls (NZ) (O'Reilly {NZ}). VIDEO
+Jupiter Gold (Aus) r, 2, Congrats–Contented (Aus), by More Than Ready. Kranji, 4-10, Cond. (A$87k), 1000m (AWT), :59.74. B-Vinery Stud (Australia) Pty Ltd (NSW). *A$130,000 Ylg '15 MMGCYS.
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