Almost 20 years ago, a nervous Clarry Conners took a well-bred colt to a Canterbury midweek meeting to begin what he hoped would be a stellar career.
A brother to champion Octagonal, Mouawad built on his successful debut in October 1996 to win seven of eight races including three at Group One level.
The trainer admits there is the same air of expectation surrounding This Is Australia who runs in an 1100-metre maiden on Wednesday.
Bred and raced by John Singleton, This Is Australia is a More Than Ready half-brother to Group One winner All American out of Milva, a daughter of her owner’s famous horse, Strawberry Road.
“There is a bit of pressure because I want him to win every start he has,” Conners said.
“He is big, black and beautiful and very well bred.
“There are similarities to Mouawad and he might be as good too.”
Jim Cassidy makes his return from an extended winter holiday at Canterbury and will ride the colt.
“Jimmy came out to Warwick Farm on Monday and rode him for me,” Conners said.
“He was very pleased with him.”
The colt is entered for spring Group One races including the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) but they may come around too soon.
“We have kept him back because he had a few niggling problems because of his size,” Conner said.
“For his first campaign we may keep him to the shorter distances and just race in the sprints.
“He is a big devil and still a big kid so we will be careful with him.”
Singleton also races Dear Demi who pleased Conners with her fifth in Saturday’s Cockram Stakes at Caulfield after being forced to race wide.
“She’s pulled up as good as gold and Brad Rawiller was really happy with her,” Conners said.
“She stays in Melbourne and goes to the Let’s Elope next on her way to the Caulfield Cup.”
The winner of the 2012 VRC Oaks, Dear Demi ran third in last year’s Caulfield Cup and second in the Mackinnon Stakes before failing over the 3200m of the Melbourne Cup.
