Patinack Farm-owned colt Ferment defied his behavioural problems to score an impressive debut win at Caulfield.
The erratic youngster gave Jamie Mott a difficult ride, throwing his head around during Saturday’s Laura Butcher Memorial Plate (1100m).
Ferment winning the Laura Butcher Memorial Plate at Caulfield - photo by Race Horse Photos Australia
But he sprinted strongly in the straight to score a three-quarter length win over Peter Snowden-trained first starter Catalonia and David Hayes-trained Magic Magic Millions hopeful Henia who was also making his debut.
Mott wasted to take the ride on the John Thompson-trained Ferment at 56kg but the effort was worth it and Mott said he believe the colt could measure up to better races.
“He is definitely up there with the best two-year-olds,” Mott said.
“He acts up a fair bit but if they can get on top of that he should be up to the good races.”
Patinack Farm stands Ferment’s sire Husson and Nathan Tinkler bought Ferment for $60,000 at the Magic Millions Weanling Sale.
Husson’s progeny are showing they are early runners but Melbourne stable manger Glen Thompson said there were no firm plans for Ferment just yet.
He said Ferment was “a professional when he’s running” but needed to behave much better at other times.
“We will see how he pulls up but he’s possibly going to get gelded.” Thompson said.
“He’s got a few tricks up his sleeve and has done a good job to get here and get through the race.”
Mott has ridden 27 city winners this season from limited opportunities because of his weight.
He said he could ride most days at 57kg but always had to watch what he ate.
“It wasn’t easy (getting down to 56kg) but I didn’t kill myself to do it,” Mott said.
Mott is based at Flemington where he is tied to the Russell Cameron stable and helps out a lot with the John Thompson team when necessary.
“He has been helping us out quite a bit and we try and pay him back with as many rides as we can,” Glen Thompson said.
AAP TURF
