Written by Paul Vettise / TDN AUS/NZ

Ballistic Boy (Smart Missile) signed off with a career-best effort following a dominant display to claim the G3 Rough Habit Plate and deliver a memorable result for Chris Anderson.

The 3-year-old has been a model performer and will go for a well-earned break at the top of his game with his Eagle Farm trainer keeping his fingers crossed he will have the gelding back in the future.

“He’ll go to the paddock if he doesn’t go to Hong Kong. There have been a few offers in the past, but hopefully he stays in Australia,” Anderson said.

Ballistic Boy is one of several horses purchased by Anderson in partnership with Think Big Stud General Manager Duncan Ramage with Profit (Dundeel {NZ}) also a multiple winner and Empire Games (Adelaide {Ire}) another success story. 

“It’s a great result and big thanks to Think Big, who have given the stable amazing support. To get my first Group 3 in those colours is a dream,” Anderson said.

Ballistic Boy was settled by rider Brad Stewart back in the body of the field and they edged closer from the 600 metre mark.

Commanding performance

When Stewart pressed the button, the favourite cut loose to hit the front 200 metres from home and then powered clear to win with authority from Supergiant (NZ) (Red Giant {USA}) and Navy Cross (I Am Invincible).

“It really was a peach of a ride. We’ve experimented with him a bit this time in and when he’s a bit too close he just can’t find like he can when he’s midfield and can really come home hard late,” Anderson said.

“He’s a horse that’s just getting better and better and he’ll be even better again when he’s a 4-year-old.”

“He’s a horse that’s just getting better and better and he’ll be even better again when he’s a 4-year-old.” – Chris Anderson

Ballistic Boy was offered by Aquis Farm at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and was purchased for $100,000.

He is a son of Magical Mist (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}), who won four races, and boasts a pedigree blessed with both staying and sprinting influences.

She is a half-sister to the G1 Levin Classic winner Distil (NZ) (Volksraad {GB}) and the stakes-winning stayer Mr Tipsy (NZ) (Montjeu {Ire}), who placed twice at Group 1 level over 3200 metres in the Sydney and Auckland Cups.

Magical Mist is a direct female descendant of the G1 Goodwood H. winner Boardwalk Angel (Bletchingly), who produced the G1 Railway H. winner Coogee Walk (NZ) (Success Express {USA}).

“He’s a cracking-looking specimen and with more racing under his belt he’s improved and time will continue to be an asset,” Anderson said.