Pin-hooking a Pinch for Musk Creek

Pinch River is the latest pin-hook to make the grade from Musk Creek Farm.

The Denman youngster has won 4 of his 7 starts including the LR Dalrello Stakes (1200m) at Doomben and a last-start victory in the Bundamba Plate (1100m) at Ipswich.

Musk Creek bought Pinch River for $46,000 at the 2012 Inglis Easter Weanling Sale before he changed hands again for $85,000 at the 2013 Gold Coast Magic Millions.

That mark-up wasn’t anything to write home about but it did emphasise the ability of Musk Creek owner David Kobritz and his team to identify a potential stakes winner two years in advance.

Recent Moonee Valley winner Nicoscene (Nicconi) is another successful pin-hook for Musk Creek.  He was a $23,000 foal and then made $85,000 at the 2013 Inglis Melbourne Premier.

Pinch River (2g Denman – Avenue Girl by Catbird) is trained by Rob Heathcote and has been compared with one of his Group 1 winning stablemates.  “He does remind me a lot of Buffering at the same stage and I’m forecasting a very good career ahead,” Heathcote said.  “He could be in for a trip interstate next season if he keeps progressing.”

By boom Darley sire Denman, Pinch River won at Doomben and Eagle Farm in the early-season jump-and-runs.  “He had a setback in the lead up to the Magic Millions and he was taken to the lead when I didn’t want him ridden for pace,” Heathcote said.  “He came back for the winter carnival and his only loss was in the Hampden Stakes when he was probably a run short.”

Pinch River has nearly doubled his purchase price for owner Angela Duncan and regular jockey Damian Brown is keen to stay aboard.  “He’s genuine and has got plenty of speed,” he said.  “I’m sure we’re going to have a lot of fun with him.”

Besides the two pin-hooks, recent Seymour winner Profit Share was bred and reared at Musk Creek’s Mornington base.  He is by Darley Victoria sire Domesday and was purchased by Darren Weir at the 2013 VOBIS Gold yearling sale.

Musk Creek purchased 6 foals at the Magic Millions National Sale last month with colts by Fastnet Rock ($220,000) and Denman ($210,000) the most expensive.