Promising colt Milestone looks ready for his Australian debut following a dominant trial win at Cranbourne on Monday morning. The 4-year-old displayed his strong athleticism and promising staying abilities when winning the 1200m trial on heavy ground.
Jockey Michael Walker rode Milestone in the trial and was pleased with his performance, commenting that once he pulled up “he could have gone around again.”
The classy colt also impressed trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, who expressed their excitement for what the future holds for the horse. “He’s really going to come into his own when we get him up over 2000m plus,” Trent said of Milestone, who is a recent addition to the stable.
Milestone is impeccably bred, by champion stallion Mastercraftsman. His female bloodline is just as impressive with his mother, Mission Secrete (by Galileo) producing three black-type performers, including Group 3 winner Mask of Time, and his grandmother Miss Tahiti being a Group 1 winner. OTI’s European Representative, John Hammond spoke glowingly of the colt. “Everything about this horse’s pedigree says he will improve with age and distance,” he said.
Milestone previously raced in France under André Fabre’s care and showcased his superior staying potential from a young age. Most notably, he impressed when finishing 3rd in the Listed 3yo Coupe des Trois over 2400m, which was won by the OTI owned San Huberto, a now Group 2 winner who is headed to this year’s Melbourne Cup.
OTI relocated Milestone to Australia earlier this year after he suffered an allergic reaction and had a niggling stifle issue. He has recently settled into Busuttin & Young’s stables at Cranbourne, and has done everything right. His first start in Australia will see him race between 1400m and 1600m, before stepping up to longer distances in future.
OTI hopes that his spring preparation will pave the way for him to make his own milestone in the major Cups races in 2021.
