Viva Pronto a Magic Millions HIT in Macau

Viva Pronto extended the outstanding run for Magic Millions graduates in Macau features when he romped to victory in the HK$700,000 G3 Summer Trophy (1200m) at Taipa on Sunday.

The star of the Gary Moore stable, Viva Pronto led as expected and carved out some quick sectionals on his way to victory over Ecstatic Macau (Delago Brom) and Happy Wanderer (Zerpour).

A son of Catcher in the Rye, Viva Pronto was a $140,000 buy at the 2007 Magic Millions HIT Sale and he has now won seven of his nine starts.

Moore said he had a few different options for Viva Pronto and there is a chance the gelding could run in the Macau Race Horse Owners Association Cup at the last meeting of the Macau season.

Viva Pronto was purchased for Stanley Ho at the Magic Millions by NSW agent John Hutchinson.  He ran the fastest breeze up of all lots in the auction clocking 10.15 seconds for 200m.

He was prepared for sale by the Thomas family’s Washpool Lodge.  They pin-hooked him for just $20,000 from the draft of Robyn Wise at the Gold Coast Magic Millions earlier that year.

Former Coolmore shuttler Catcher in the Rye got Viva Pronto from Steel Blade mare Steel Shuffle.  She won 12 races at Grafton, Lismore and Ballina and, at stud, has foaled four to race for four winners – Son Of Steel (Kenfair), Steel Mountain (Monashee Mountain), Mountain Warrior (Monashee Mountain) and Viva Pronto.

Steel Shuffle has a 2yo filly by and a yearling colt by Coolmore shuttler Antonius Pius.