Three-year-old Natural Mystic (Tarzino), by 2015 Gr.1 Victoria Derby (2500m) winner Tarzino, is following in his sire’s footsteps with a liking for staying trips and has co-trainer Michael Kent Jnr declaring the gelding an “out-and-out stayer”.
Natural Mystic ($6.50) won the TROA Supports NJT Handicap over 2000 metres at Flemington on Saturday at his second career outing after winning on debut at Pakenham over 1600 metres on 28 April.
Taken to the lead at the 300m mark by jockey Craig Newitt, patience is paying for the Mick Price and Kent Jnr training combination.
“What can I say, Tarzino, flavour of the month especially for us,” Kent Jnr said.
“It’s a big effort, we knew it was a big task at his second start and at Flemington, but he’s a three-year-old, he’s tough and he’s sound, and he got a lovely ride by Craig Newitt there.”
Derby winner Tarzino also has a win in the Gr.1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) on his CV in 2016, but while the blue riband classics will have passed Natural Mystic by, Kent and Newitt agree that staying events are where this horse’s future lies.
“He’s a horse from the first time I rode him that’s got a mile-and-a-half written all over him,” Newitt said.
“His first start he sat outside a fast speed over a mile and was strong.
“Today, in a genuinely run race, he got into a nice spot, travelled really well and put them to the sword a fair way out and was really strong through the line.”
Reluctant to make high level statements for the gelding’s upcoming plans, Kent Jnr indicated that another three-year-old handicap over the same distance as a part of the Mahogany Challenge series back again at Flemington on 4 June was a logical next step.
“Back in two weeks for another race for three-year-olds, the final is worth $200k so it’s a lovely opportunity for these sorts of horses,” he said.
“He’s very untapped and he’s an out-and-out stayer.”
Natural Mystic, who was bred by Rosemont Stud, who share in the ownership of Tarzino, scored by 1¼-lengths with Secret Glamour (Sebring) second and Flash Feeling (NZ) (Iffraaj) in third.
Westbury Stud stallion Tarzino was recently represented by the Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2500m) winner Jungle Magnate, also from the Price-Kent barn, and is making every post a winner with his Classic three-year-olds.
