Birchley's two-year-old run persists with Swift Dragon in QTIS Jewel 2YO
Despite long odds of $19 in the wagering, Swift Dragon demolished his rivals with a strong win ahead of favourite Esperanza, leaving the prior undefeated Rockhampton contender Better Blitzem to fill third spot.
Birchley marked his third victor from the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) this season when Dream Roca dominated the $1 million event at Ellerslie, and that juvenile hot streak carried on at Queensland's Glitter Strip as Swift Dragon grabbed the $300,000 winner's purse.
Sired by obscure stallion Dracarys, the colt offered explanations for his two subdued performances leading into Saturday's $500,000 spectacle, with Birchley blaming a tricky Eagle Farm surface, but he shone again partnered by his usual rider Ryan Wiggins.
"His trial before he came back showed what he could do, but we just didn't have any confidence in the track first-up," said Birchley.
"These bigger horses don't let down on those shifty tracks sometimes and last start it was much the same, but today was a different story. I got a bit worried when it started raining yesterday, but luckily they didn't get too much. I had full confidence in the horse as long as the track was playing fair and we could get a crack at them."
Fabulantes captured the other key contest on the card, extending Robert Heathcote's stellar association with the gelding's relations by drawing clear in the QTIS Jewel 3YO (1200m).
The full-brother to Heathcote's Group 1 champion Startantes exceeded $500,000 in stakes from 12 starts by notching a third straight city success.
Rider Daniel Moor reckons the son of Star Turn might handle stronger opposition.
"He's got a ripper turn of foot," Moor said.
"He was brave when I needed him to be, he gave a really solid kick and it was quite a soft win in the end. I think he could measure up to better races."
Bevan Laming's pacesetting Call Da Vinci ended runner-up, with Dragonne Rouge claiming the third minor placing.
Check out online bookmakers for the latest QTIS Jewel 2YO betting markets via online bookmakers.
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