He might still be learning his craft but Deep Field has shown just why he is talked about as Australia’s next sprinting superstar with a Group Two win at Flemington.
The four-year-old came to Melbourne for the tab.com.au Stakes (1200m) with a Sydney record of four starts for four wins by a combined 23 lengths.
Deep Field – TAB Stakes
He was $1.60 to make it five and took up the running down the outside rail and maintained the lead despite hanging a little in the unfamiliar surroundings.
When the pressure went on, Deep Field dug deep and stretched out to beat Driefontein ($21) by a length with country NSW horse In Cahoots ($9.50) another 1-1/2 lengths third.
Deep Field’s owner Alan Bell has raced many stars including Schillaci, Primacy and Grand Armee.
There is a long way to go before Deep Field can be spoken of in their class but Bell is obviously excited.
“It was a real test. It is all still new to him,” Bell said.
“He had to dig deep and showed he could fight and that experience will help him. It’s the first day he has been asked the question and he answered it.
“This is his first preparation and we will stop now and look to the autumn.”
John Hawkes, the senior member of the family training partnership, said Deep Field had it all before him.
“He is a special horse,” Hawkes said.
“He did all the hard work and did what he had to do.”
In Cahoots will head home after what has been a successful Melbourne campaign which has yielded a win and three minor prizes from four starts.
His Newcastle trainer Phillip Atkins said it had been a great experience.
“It’s time to go home now. He has done a great job,” he said.
“I never thought I’d be here at Flemington on such a big day.”
