Deserving win for Mr Utopia

First over the line last time out in the Listed Grandstand Cup, but losing the race on protest, four-year-old Elusive Quality gelding Mr Utopia proved that win was no fluke, coming out and winning the Listed York Stakes at Ascot, Western Australia on April 5.

Starting a short priced favourite in the small field, Mr Utopia settled about four lengths from the leader, three back on the outside.

When the runs started at the home turn, jockey Troy Turner urged his mount to make up ground down the outside, reeling in the leader to win the race by three-quarters of a length.

Bred by Wall Street Thoroughbreds, Mr Utopia is out of the unraced Choisir mare Base Paradise, a half-sister to the Stakes performer Fangio, from the family of G1-winning Exceed And Excel juveniles Overreach and Reward For Effort.

Elusive Quality is the sire of 81 career Group or Graded performers, including Champion filly Certify, Kentucky Derby winner Smarty Jones, Breeders’ Cup Classic winner and Darley sire Raven's Pass, Australian champion Sepoy and multiple European G1 winner Elusive Kate.

Elusive Quality stands for a fee of $50,000 live foal, stands and nurses.