Playing God was the first WA stallion to break through the million-dollar barrier this season when winning his first LR Belgravia Stakes (1200m) with West Star.
West Star also became the 20th Stakes winner by Playing God at Ascot on Saturday when he led home a black-type quinella for Darling View’s champion sire after holding off the late charge of September Born.
West Star (Photo / Western Racepix) was bought by trainer Simon Miller for $175,000 from Western Breeders Alliance (as agent) at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions. He was bred by Darling View director Clive Atwell from Jester Derriere (Patronize) who is a half-sister to RL Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) winner The River (Magnus).
“He’s a high-class horse,” Miller told The West Australian. “It’s a really good bunch of three-year-olds this season and he was brave today. I knew September Born would be rattling home but West Star is bulletproof. He can go forward or back so we haven’t figured out what his strengths and weaknesses are yet. I think he’s a miler and Chris (Parnham) thinks he’s a sprinter.”
Miller will have to decide whether to step up in distance for the LR Fairetha Stakes (1400m) on November 9 or remain at the sprint trip in the LR Placid Ark Stakes (1200m) on November 16.
“I’ve only had two by Playing God and they’ve both won feature races There’s no rules with his progeny. I look at all his yearlings at the Magic Millions and even the ones you can’t have will be winning races.”
West Star completed a winning treble for Playing God on Saturday following All Play and Almighty Class. His career stats confirm Miller’s statement with a 72% winners-to-runners strike-rate and a 22% black-type performers to winners strike-rate.
Darling View Thoroughbreds stands Playing God for $49,500 with Splintex ($11,000) and Lightsaber ($6,600). Service fees (inc GST). Stud manager Brent Atwell can be contacted for bookings or more information on 0408 648 100.
