The River became the first winning graduate from Western Breeders Alliance at Ascot on January 9 and he’s a live chance for the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic next month.

The Alliance comprises Darling View Thoroughbreds (Brent Atwell), Westbury Park (Phil Ibbotson) and Einoncliff Park (Wayne Beynon).  It was conceived over dinner at the Gold Coast in 2015.

WBA TEAM L-R: Phil Ibbotson, Brent Atwell & Wayne Beynon

Trainer Trevor Andrews is hoping The River can cement a spot in the $250,000 sales-related race when racing second-up in the Ascot Happens Plate (1100m) this Saturday.  “He’s a really nice horse,” Andrews said after the powerful win on debut.  “He’s a good type and his sire Magnus is one of the best juvenile sires in Australia.”

The chestnut cost $115,000 when offered by Western Breeders Alliance at the 2015 Perth Magic Millions.  He was the most expensive lot among the new coalition’s inaugural consignment of 15 yearlings.

Andrews bought The River for the same connections as Lucky Street (Oratorio) who won the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and G2 Karrakatta Plate last year.  “We don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves,” Andrews cautioned after the first-up victory.  “But he showed them he can gallop.  He’s still learning and will come on for the experience.”

The River (2g Magnus – Jestceny by Real Jester) is a half-brother to the Patronize city winners Jest Envy Her & Jestpatim and Bunbury maiden winner Jester Derriere.

Western Breeders Alliance has entered 21 yearlings for the 2016 Magic Millions spread between local stallions like Blackfriars, War Chant, Oratorio & Dick Turpin and interstate sires Bel Esprit, Statue Of Liberty, I Am Invincible, Sebring, Star Witness & High Chaparral.