Patinack Farm-owned two-year-old Maury lived up to the confidence shown in him in the betting ring at Flemington when he impressed by stepping up to metropolitan Saturday grade and making it two straight.
The winner of a 1107m two-year-old maiden at Kilmore late last month at his second start was backed from $6 and sent out $4.40 favourite in Saturday’s Living Legends Hcp (1200m).
It was the race that launched the career of unbeaten superstar sprinter Black Caviar three years ago.
Maury settled second in running but when Mark Zahra said go the Husson gelding sprinted clear and had 1-3/4 lengths to spare over Maluti ($5.50) with Pillar Of Creation ($8.50), who ran on well from last of the 11 runners, 1-1/4 lengths away third.
Stable foreman Glen Thompson said Maury had a jumpout down the Flemington straight last week and did everything right in preparation for Saturday’s event.
Zahra rarely rides for Patinack Farm and said that Maury could have been his first ride so far this year for trainer John Thompson, although he said he did ride a Listed winner for the stable in Adelaide last year.
“He’s got a really nice turn of foot,” Zahra said.
“He’s a push-button two-year-old. Glen gave me a good push for him before the race and he was right on the money.
“When Froggy (Craig Newitt) crossed me (on Shivers) he got on the steel a bit but after a furlong (200m) he eased and relaxed underneath me and it was just a matter of when I pressed the button.
“I really thought I pushed it too early but he was too good for them.
“He jumps, puts himself there, travels and gives a really good kick so he’s ahead of the game at the moment.”
Glen Thompson said Maury, who is from the unraced Strategic mare Zelle, would get 1400m eventually but thought he would be better suited being kept to 1200m for the time being.
