TYCOON’S WEEK

Written Tycoon has been in stellar form in the past week with a double last Saturday via Born Tycoon (ex. Fanfare by Mighty Avalanche) and Portion (ex. Princess Baxaar by Xaar), a winner on Sunday (Sandhill Jett [ex. Gundooee Miss by Jeune]) and another winner on Thursday (Oristana ex. Valdiola by Marwina), but it was the performance of Northcliffe on Monday that really caught the imagination.

The flashy chestnut 3YO was stepping out for the first time, on a heavy surface at Kyneton, and missed the kick badly before finding trouble in running. Still, the Written Tycoon youngster – sent out a $31 pick – flew home to score by a panel and give the impression that he’s destined for bigger prizes.

Northcliffe is the first foal of a winning Runyon mare in Menthol, a close relation to the Group One winner Soho Square.

But here’s the rub: Northcliffe (below) was bred by Bendigo’s Mark Jackson, who also trains the 3YO for his wife … one can only assume that it was only the rules of racing that prevented him from riding the horse too!