Wise Counsel confirmed David Eustace’s opinion that he is a potential Victoria Derby contender with his victory in the opening event at Caulfield.
The three-year-old was perfectly ridden by Jye McNeil to break through at his third start in the Longboard Accountants For Mirabel Handicap (1600m) on Saturday.
Eustace said they had always had a nice opinion of Wise Counsel but it had taken time to get him to the track due an injury at the end of last season.
“We thought the mile would be fine. It was a good race, good maiden (run previously) at Geelong and hopefully he can go onto bigger and better things,” Eustace said.
Eustace plans to use next month’s Super Impose Stakes (1800m) at Flemington and Norman Robinson Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield as his lead-in runs to the Victoria Derby on October 31.
Wise Counsel has a Victoria Derby winner high in his pedigree as his dam Circus Polka is a half-sister to Victoria Derby winner Prized Icon.
He is by Toronado and is a full brother to Master Monaro who was sold to Hong Kong earlier this year after winning both of his starts.
Wise Counsel ($5.50) defeated Divine Diosa ($5.50) by a half-length with Queen Of Rocks ($6.50) three-quarters of a length away third.