Christian chases Group wins in two states

Wednesday 7 May 2014, 3:07pm

He makes a living commentating on AFL games but Michael Christian won't know where to look when two horses he has bred compete in Group races on Saturday.

Christian's love of thoroughbreds began in the latter stages of his playing career at Collingwood and has evolved into a profitable boutique breeding operation.

He is likely to be in Brisbane on Saturday to cheer on Eloping in the Group Two Champagne Classic (1200m) at Doomben while Unpretentious will shoot for his first Group One win in the Goodwood (1200m) in Adelaide.

It has been quite a journey for Christian who was initially disappointed when he and partner Siobhan Miller were left with shares in the horses after luck went against them at the yearling sales.

Christian said a paddock accident shortly before the sales led to Unpretentious failing to interest buyers.

However, it hasn't hindered him on the racetrack with the gelding so far amassing more than $340,000 in stakes.

"He cut his leg superficially just before he went to the sales," Christian said.

"We thought he would make $120,000 or $130,000 so we put a $60,000 reserve on him and he didn't even get there."

Eloping was sold as a yearling but Christian said Miller was keen to form a syndicate to race her and chase a hefty bonus on offer to women owners of horses in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast.

However, the excitement dissipated when many of the people who expressed an interest pulled out of the plan.

"When it came to paying, there was a lot that didn't pay so we ended up with a lot more of Eloping than we thought," Christian said.

Eloping has proven profitable, earning more than $730,000 during a brilliant two-year-old season that has included a win in the Group Three Royal Randwick Stakes (1200m) during The Championships in Sydney.

"It has been a remarkable run because they have both been blessings in disguise," Christian said.

If either sprinter wins on Saturday it is likely to prompt a long night of celebrations.

And that could mean Christian faces his biggest hurdle on Sunday when he will fly to Perth to cover an AFL match.

– AAP

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