Greg Eurell produced a spring contender when two-year-old filly Love For Ransom made a winning debut at Sandown on Wednesday.
The Cranbourne trainer, who was devastated when Cox Plate victor Pinker Pinker died suddenly following a routine injection several weeks ago, said he was looking forward to the spring with younger horses such as Love For Ransom, Force Command and Hosting.
“We certainly hit a flat spot losing the mare,” Eurell said.
“That’s one thing about this caper, you never know what’s going to happen.”
Love For Ransom, sent out a $4.20 chance in the Coates Hire Plate (1200m) and ridden by Chris Symons, scored by a half-length from Jacaranda Avenue with Alzora a short-neck away third.
“She certainly shows some ability. Every time she has come in and gone out she has always improved,” Eurell said of the Red Ransom filly.
“I think what we see is good but I’m looking forward to when she’s three-years-old.
“She may have one more run before she goes to the paddock. I’ll just wait and see how she comes through this race.”
Raced by breeder Valda Klaric along with Ivan Cajkusic, Love For Ransom is a half-sister to provincial winner and city placed Zuckerberg.
Her grand-dam is 1992 AJC Oaks winner My Brilliant Star.
Symons said when Love For Ransom missed the start he had to resort to plan B.
“But I wanted to be there on the turn so I had to make a move,” Symons said.
“She got there quick and I just held her together and I was always confident she was going to let go.
“She loves the wet which really helped.”