Training partners Tony and Calvin McEvoy could be spoilt for choice for lucrative two-year-old racing options after Xtravagant Star won on debut at Geelong.
The 2021 edition of the Bet 365 Odd Protector Maiden (1118m) saw Artorius place on debut and then went on to win impressively at Sandown before taking out the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) six weeks later.
Xtravagant Star ($3), ridden by Damian Lane, held off the challenge from race favourite Eros ($1.80), trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, to win by a short-head in 1:05.59.
Frontenac ($10), trained by James Cummings, was 3¼-lengths away in third.
“Very pleased with today’s performance,” Calvin said as he watched on from the Gold Coast.
“We knew she’d race well and we just hoped she was good enough.”
A $150,000 purchase at the 2021 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, the daughter of New Zealand sire Xtravagant is one of five second acceptors from the stable towards the $1.5 million Blue Diamond on 26 February.
McEvoy noted the Blue Diamond series as a pathway but is also eyeing the $2 million Inglis Millennium (1100m) at Rosehill on 5 February as a genuine option.
With that decision still to be made, races even further down the track could be more realistic.
“There’s plenty of options in Melbourne as well but we’ll just see how she comes through it,” he said.
“She is by Xtravagant and they can be more three-year-olds than two-year-olds.
“She was very genuine today and that’s what she’s been the whole way through so far.”
Lane led on Xtravagant Star on the home turn but over the final 400 metres Eros who was Jamie Kah’s only ride at Geelong for the day failed narrowly to head the second favourite.
Xtravagant Star is rated a $26 chance across Blue Diamond markets.
