Monopollie passes Go

It was a strong day of results for the graduates of the inaugural Sunshine Stars Yearling Sale with winners in two states.

At Albion Park, Monopollie became the latest winner when leading throughout in the Burwood Stud 2YO Maiden Pace, opening his winning ledger at his sixth career start.

Trained by Mark Dux and driven by Pete McMullen, the son of Mr Feelgood stopped the clock in a mile-rate of 1.56.4, highlighted by a strong 27.6 closing panel.

Prepared by Reece Maguire for the 2023 Sale, Monopollie was passed in after bidding stalled at $20,000 for the only Mr Feelgood colt in the sale.

Qualifying for Dux in May, the gelding had five unplaced starts before being sent for a spell, with nothing working to his favour in his first campaign.

Named after the Dux’s grandson Ollie, Monopollie had been driven by Brendan Barnes in his first five starts, but with Barnes at Menangle on Tuesday, it was McMullen taking the reins as the gelding led throughout to score, also securing the $14,000 QBRED first win bonus.

While Barnes may have missed the Monopollie win, he was able to land victory with his only drive at Menangle in a heat of the New South Wales Breeders Challenge Series for two-year-old fillies.

Driving The Lady Dior for trainer Gemma Hewitt, the pair led throughout in a smart victory, her third from just six starts.

Stopping the clock in 1.52.4, the filly was able to hold off the fast-finishing Sugar Rush despite working hard through the first quarter where she posted a 26.7 opening split.

Both The Lady Dior and Sugar Rush are Sunshine Stars Graduates, with Hewitt’s classy filly looking an astute purchase after going to $12,500 to secure the For A Reason filly.

There has now been 32 individual winners from the 2023 Sunshine Stars Sale with the first Sales Classic races to be held in November.

* Hoof note

A King Of Swing half-brother to The Lady Dior will be offered by Cobbity Equine in 2025, with catalogues currently in production for the third Sunshine Stars Sale.

The Lady Dior at her debut win