First winner for Antonius Pius

Young Danzig stallion Antonius Pius featured at Eagle Farm (Brisbane, Australia) on Saturday posting his first winner when the Trevor Miller trained Big Tony (2c Antonius Pius x Miss Conception, by Danzero) saluted in the open juvenile event over 1000 metres.

Fourth on debut at Doomben on November 1 when he made a mess of the start, Big Tony made no such mistakes this time jumping well from barrier two to lead throughout, then kicking away to win by a length and a half.

A $40,000 purchase from the draft of Bylong Park Thoroughbreds at the 2008 Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Big Tony is from the Danzero mare Miss Conception. He is the first foal of his dam who is an unraced daughter of Group Two winner Prefer an Angel.

Antonius Pius was a brilliant juvenile himself winning the Group Two Railway Stakes at the Curragh and training on at three to place in the Group One Breeders Cup Mile and the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

A $1.5 million yearling purchase, Antonius Pius is also a magnificent individual and has the matching pedigree being from unbeaten Group One winner Catchascatchcan, who comes from the family of former champion sire Oncidium.