Charlie Claims A Breakthrough Victree

The Sunshine Stars Yearling Sale continues to produce winners, with Victree Charlie the latest graduate to secure race day success.

Trained and driven by Darren McCall, the gelding claimed a maiden breaking win at his 10th career start, finishing strongly in the closing stages to edge out Maywyns Mighty Mac.

Eased from gate five to find position on the inside, the son of Betting Line was travelling keenly, with McCall waiting for the gap to present.

“Down the back he was off the bit, and I just touched him with the whip and then he just wanted to run over the horse in front,” McCall said following the win.

“As soon as I got him out and onto the right rein, then off he went.”

With a head margin to spare, Victree Charlie stopped the clock in a 1.56.6 rate, with closing splits in 28.4 and 29.2

Purchased back by his breeders, Mary and Lindsay Vagg, at the 2023 Sunshine Stars Yearling Sale, the son of the Art Major mare, Im Sugar Coated, was sent to McCall to break in.

Victree Charlie as a yearling.

Following his early educating, the Vagg’s gave McCall the option to take a 50% share, and although initially reluctant, he saw enough in the speed of the young pacer to take a chance.

While he has good speed, there have been gaiting issues with the two-year-old that McCall is hoping will be ironed out as the gelding gains more experience.

“He’s got some ability that horse, I think he has got a lot more wins in him yet.

“He is still growing and still a bit immature, he has just always been a bit goofy.”

Picking up the QBRED first win bonus, the gelding will now be aimed at the upcoming Triad race Series, before looking to the Sunshine Stars Series later in the season.

Having only reached a $5,000 bid when passing through the sale ring, connections will have the choice to tackle the heats for the $125,000 Sunshine Stars Finals, or head to the $50,000 race for horses that were sold or passed in with a reserve below $25,000.

Following the win by Victree Charlie, there have now been 19 winners produced from the Sunshine Stars Sale, with a further three non-sale entries that have been successful.

Dates for the 2025 Sale have also been released, February 23, 2025 on a huge weekend that also includes the Ultimate Drivers Series is set for the third Sunshine Stars Yearling Sale.

Victree Charlie as a yearling.