Lightly-raced Global Exchange is likely to be put on a path towards the Group One Australian Derby in Sydney after announcing himself as colt on the rise with victory in the Autumn Classic at Caulfield.
The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained three-year-old went into Saturday’s Group Two 1800m race off a win at Werribee first-up this preparation and took the step up in class in his stride.
After settling back in the field under jockey Ben Melham, Global Exchange ($8.50) started to round the field approaching the home turn before sprinting to the front at the 200m.
He defeated last-start Tasmanian Derby winner Cossetot ($4.80) by 2-1/4 lengths with another head to favourite Aramayo ($3.60) third.
Global Exchange is a son of stallion Dundeel who claimed the Sydney triple crown for three-year-olds in 2013, culminating in his six-length Derby win at Randwick.
Maher said he would now map out a program for Global Exchange, with races such as the Group One Rosehill Guineas (2000m) and Australian Derby (2400m) on the radar.
“We always thought he was a Derby type horse,” Maher said.
“He raced here last preparation over a mile and it just showed he wasn’t quite mature enough so we put him away and he put the writing on the wall last start.
“We still thought he was a little bit wayward so we put the blinkers on and he really showed his talent today.
“He’s a real progressive horse and I think he’s got a really bright future heading into the Sydney autumn carnival.”
