Sent out a short favourite ($2.20) in the first event at Rosehill on Wednesday, the Snowden-trained colt supported favourite punters by gaining the winning-hand late to score.
By Snitzel and out of multiple stakes winning stable-trained dam Nayeli, the breeding suggested the colt may be destined for greater things than midweek metropolitan level – Wednesday’s debut victory further reinforced those thoughts.
Although a touch slow to leave the gates, the colt was able to slide forward from his low draw and land midfield, one off the fence.
Jockey Tommy Berrywas able to get his mount to settle kindly in the run and didn’t ask him to do much until rounding the final bend.
Upon straightening, Berry popped Calgary Stampedeoff heels and waited until the 300m before asking the colt for his full effort.
Although taking most of the straight to reach the leaders, the two-year-old worked through his gears nicely, hitting the front when passing the 50m before going to the line under hands and heels.
Co-trainer Paul Snowdenwas proud of the colt’s efforts and expects the win to be a great learning curve moving forward, full of great benefit.
“It’s good to get this (maiden win) out of the way, we can certainly learn from this,” Snowden said.
“He seems to take everything in his stride which is what you want to see in a two-year-old.
“I think he’s got a good deal of ability and he just needs to realise that potential.
“We are going to run again in a couple of weeks’ time, he might be due for a little bit of head gear just to help him focus.
“It’s good that he’s come through the system and win his debut, hopefully there’s some good things install for him.”
Jockey Tommy Berry was also full of praise for the two-year-old and believes the future looks bright for the colt.
“He’s that relaxed with a great constitution and that’s what the Snowden’s want from their colts, they buy a lot of them,” Berry said.
“That run today might even switch him on a bit more.
“I was really happy with that last 100m, he stretched out really well.
“Colts like this can go a long way.”
Being an Inglis graduate, it is expected the $500,000 2YO Inglis Nursery (1000m – December 11) is the likely steppingstone for Calgary Stampede.
