Snitzel gelding Holstein is shaping as an astute purchase for the Matthew Dunn stable based on his tough debut victory at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
Holstein debuted in the Yarraman Easter Yearlings 2YO Maiden Handicap (1200m) at Warwick Farm on Wednesday following two encouraging Rosehill trials.
The Matthew Dunn-trained gelding was forced to work from an outside gate and despite a less than ideal run, fought hard on straightening for a determined victory over Chill.
“Today was a big ask,” Stable Representative Keira Dunn said.
“He had barrier 11 and they definitely went quite quick. The whole way up the straight, every stride – he just kept on finding.
“It has taken us a while. He has had the few trials and a couple of jumpouts at home. Gradually with each trial and jumpout he has slowly improved. His last trial was the best where he jumped and really put himself on the speed like he did today.”
By leading sire Snitzel, Holstein was a $150,000 purchase at the 2020 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.
The two-year-old is a half brother to Group 1 winning Fastnet Rock colt Rocket Spade who claimed the 2021 New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie on March 7.
Despite his pedigree, the decision to geld was a necessary move for connections.
“He is a lovely well bred gelding now,” Dunn said.
“He was extremely naughty when he was a colt.
“Matthew (Dunn) and Neil (Jenkinson) as they do go to the sales, spend lots of time there and they can come away with nice horses like this.
“There is not a lot of him as you would of seen in the yard. He is not a very big boy but he is a lovely horse with a very big future.”
