An unlucky fourth on debut in the $150,000 ATC Golden Gift last November won by subsequent Group I winner Yankee Rose, Jericho was sent straight to the paddock and was having his first run back.
Tuned up with two recent trials by Peter and Paul Snowden, Jericho found the line strongly for Blake Shinn to score a narrow win in a competitive finish to the 1100 metre maiden over Virgillio, with another Smart Missile youngster in Cadogan filling third place.
"He's done enough to get home and there are more wins in store," said Paul
Snowden."Queensland is the next step for him and we'll give him that opportunity."
A $180,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Rosemont Stud draft for Triple Crown, Jericho was a successful pinhook having been bought as a weanling Sheamus Mills Bloodstock for $75,000 at the MM National Weanling Sale the year before.
Jericho is the first winner for Advance to Go, a Red Ransom (USA) sibling to Group I winner Miss Danehill, Group II winner Pentastic and stakes-winner Point Made.
He is the third winner for promising young sire Smart Missile, who has also sired the stakes-winner Sassy 'n' Smart in New Zealand as well as three stakes-placegetters in Australia in Fromparis Withlove, Smart Amelia and Smart Maneouvre.
His fee remains at $22,000 at Arrowfield Stud this spring.
