First Win for $1.1Million Filly

A $1.1 million Magic Millions purchase for Mark Newnham Bloodstock from the Widden Stud draft, three year-old Snitzel filly Arousal opened her account at Canterbury on Friday night.

Improving off her debut fourth over 1100 metres on the same track on November 29, Arousal travelled sweetly in third place under Josh Parr before lengthening impressively to chase down the front runner Single Blond to score by two and a half lengths.

Trainer Mark Newnham said the expensive purchase would have a light preparation before being aimed at better races in the autumn.

“She was really good tonight. Josh gave her a 10 out of 10 ride he summed it up early, got into the right spot and the filly did the rest,” Newnham said.

“I’d like to give her one more run and give her a light let-up into the autumn. I think she will make a good-class filly we’ve had to be a bit patient with her, but I think it will be rewarded in the long run.

“She’s got a bit of class and took a good bit of benefit from her first start. Her race manners today reflected that, and she put them away well, so she’s got a promising future.”

Bred by Widden stud in partnership, Arousal is the first foal of the Group III ATC Epona Stakes winner Intimate Moment, a half-sister by Dubawi to the Group III BRC Grand Prix winner Upham and the Listed winner Bonnie Mac.

Intimate Moment’s Sebring filly was purchased by RMA Bloodstock Trust for $500,000 out of the Widden draft at this year’s Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. Named Seduced and sent to Danny O’Brien, she races for many of the same owners in Arousal including Widden Stud.

There is plenty to look forward to as Intimate Moment has a yearling filly by I Am Invincible and foaled a Snitzel colt on November 18.