Another Rising Star for Northern Meteor

Billed as a clash between two potential spring contenders, the Bull Point vs Eurozone stoush at Rosehill on Saturday produced a great race with victory going to the chestnut son of Northern Meteor.

Both two year-olds had won impressively on debut last month, but it was the Gai Waterhouse trained Fastnet Rock colt Bull Point that punters rallied to and he went to the post as favourite.

A touch slow to begin he never looked completely comfortable and was shuffled back to second last in the middle stages before surging home late, but he was held on the line by Eurozone, who scored by the best part of a length with Tim Clark in the saddle.

In contrast, the Bart Cummings trained Eurozone enjoyed a perfect run in transit from gate one and always looked the horse to beat, prompting speculation he may develop into a contender for the Group I ATC Golden Rose in September.

“He looks a promising colt,” assistant trainer, James Cummings said.

“Tim (Clark) rode him confidently, popped off the fence and took command of the race. The horse has a real turn of foot, he’s got race-craft – he’s a natural.

“If we can keep him ticking over he might be able to kick a goal for us.”

A $110,000 Magic Millions purchase for DGR Thoroughbreds from the draft of Carramar Park, Eurozone is a three-quarter brother to Group II winner Miss Marielle, who is by Northern Meteor’s sire Encosta de Lago.

He is the fifth winner from Group III winning Don’t Say Halo (USA) mare Miss Vandal.

Eurozone looms as another potential star for Northern Meteor, who is the leading Australian first season sire by earnings and shares the lead with his barn mate Sebring by Australian winners with 15 on the board.