CHAMPAGNE STAKES

(GROUP 1)

PAUL Perry, the man who made Australian racing rethink its reach when he campaigned Choisir successfully at Royal Ascot, was back in the Group 1 winners’ stall at Randwick on Saturday with a son of the 2003 King’s Stand/Golden Jubilee winner.

Tackling the final leg of the juvenile triple crown in Sydney, the Champagne Stakes over 1,600 metres, The Mission, sixth two weeks earlier in the Sires’ Produce Stakes, went straight to the front under 23-year-old Damien Lane.

The pair stayed on well to win by two and a half lengths from the Snitzel colt and race favourite Invader, with the High Chaparral filly Whispered Secret third.

“He showed something all the way through but he’s probably been his own worst enemy,” said Perry, who also trained Fastnet Rock and Stratum.

“His last start in the Sires’ he was a bit slow out, got held up and nothing went his way but when he jumped well today and he can flow along I think he’s pretty smart.

“He’ll go the paddock now and hopefully come back for the Caulfield Guineas. He can certainly race on the speed so it should suit.”

With A$411,000 in earnings to his name, The Mission has given a huge return to his owners after Paul Perry Racing paid $32,500 for him as yearling at book 2 of the Gold Coast Magic Millions. The win also provided Choisir with his 12th Group 1 as a sire.