Similar to BORN A KING (GB) last weekend, DESERT ICON (FR) was a stable purchase from the 2020 Tattersalls UK Autumn Horses In Training Sale and Saturday’s dominant win over the famous 2,040 metres at Mooney Valley was the gelding’s second Australian win.
DESERT ICON (FR) was on the quick back up having raced the previous weekend and on Saturday, he began well with jockey Brett Prebble riding in a positive fashion to hold a good position early. There was sufficient pressure up front however which allowed Brett to settle the son of Sea The Stars (IRE) just off of the speed where he found a nice comfortable rhythm in 3rd position. Approaching the 800 metres mark, Brett asked him to edge a bit closer to the speed and gradually encouraged him through his gears. By the time the pair reached the home turn, DESERT ICON (FR) hit the front and was able to put a margin on the field, sustaining a strong gallop to the line to win well by over a length.
Congratulations to all DESERT ICON (FR) connections especially our Star owners involved in the ownership.