The Chosen One (NZ) Shines in Frank Packer Plate

Karaka graduate The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel) is now a stakes winner on both sides of the Tasman, adding a brilliant win in Saturday’s $160,000 Group 3 Cellarbrations Frank Packer Plate (2000m) at Randwick to his two black-type victories in New Zealand.

An unlucky and powerful-finishing fourth in the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) in his most recent start, The Chosen One turned his fortunes around in style on Saturday.

Passed in at the 2017 Premier Sale with a $150,000 reserve, the well-bred colt jumped from a wide gate and was kept out of trouble by jockey Blake Shinn, who eased him back to the tail of the field.

He was still last with 750 metres to travel, but then produced a powerful burst around the outside of the field. He took the lead at the 200-metre mark and surged clear to win by a length and a half. The time for the 2000-metre feature was a sizzling 2:00.97.

“It’s a consolation for the Derby,” Shinn said. “I thought his run in the Derby was arguably the best run in the race, and he brought that form here today.

“We made another searching run on him, but we were coming back 400 metres in trip, so I was mindful of that. He did the job nicely, he is a lovely horse.”

The Chosen One previously won the Listed Zacinto Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton in October and the Group 3 Manawatu Classic (2000m) at Awapuni last month, which set up his Sydney autumn campaign.

He has now had 11 starts for four wins, five placings and more than $290,000 in prize-money for a large group of owners that includes his breeders, the South Island’s renowned Dennis brothers.

“He has been up a long time, but he keeps improving,” said Andrew Forsman, who trains in partnership with Murray Baker.

“He’s a quality-bred colt, just maturing at the right time. It was great to see him get his just desserts today.”

The $60,000 Premier Sale purchase Purple Sector (NZ) (Pins) was close up in third in the Frank Packer Plate, lifting his career earnings past A$120,000.