Audio Boy went out a $3 favourite for the Wittens Irrigation Maiden (1690m) at Bunbury on Sunday but looked a longshot in running under Clint Johnston-Porter. Race-caller Darren McAullay summed up the situation when the Adam Durrant-trained galloper picked up front-runner What Shout (War Chant) in the straight.
“Audio Boy was losing ground and under enormous pressure but he’s bullocking his way through now. He looked a shot duck at the 400m and punters would have been tearing up their tickets.”
The Durrant Racing team were also surprised. “Wow! That replay needs to be seen to be believed! The magic of CJP managed to get the very best out of him.”
Audio Boy is raced by Geoff Bull and his previous winners with the stable include Sparkling Blue (Foxwedge) and Smart Fox (Gingerbread Man). The 3yo gelding was getting out to 1690m for the first time in five starts on WA Breeders’ Classic Day.
He’s a younger half-brother to Bonjoy (Maschino) who improved her record to 5 wins in 11 starts at Pinjarra last month. That last-to-first victory also boosted her bank to $186,500 including Westspeed bonuses of $82,000.
They were both bred and sold by Alwyn Park and their bottom-line goes back to Limestone Park filly Prayerful (Don’t Say Halo) who won the LR Burgess Queen Stakes (1400m) in 1993. The immediate family is headed by G1 ATC Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) winner Montoya’s Secret (High Chaparral).
Their dam Amity Belle (Snitzel) has a yearling colt by Maschino bred by Coral Park’s Kathy Money. Second-dam Divine Deputy (French Deputy) has a Sessions colt (Lot 48) catalogued by Dawson Stud (as agent) for this month’s Perth Magic Millions.