Hall Of Fame trainer Les Bridge looks to have another promising horse on his hands in Celestial Legend, who has a classic pedigree but enough raw ability to be winning races at two.
After an eye-catching second to $3 million colt Kandinsky Abstract on debut, the Dundeel youngster went one better, justifying his $2.60 favouritism with an emphatic victory in the Schweppes Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
The colt revived memories of stablemate Classique Legend, who was also a steely grey colour as a younger horse, and like his Everest-winning stablemate, Celestial Legend has his share of ability.
“I think he’s really good,” Bridge said.
“He’s only a baby and it’s all ahead of him.
“I bought him to be a middle-distance horse, he should be in those classic races for three-year-olds next season.
“He’s a magnificent looking horse too.”
While Bridge will look at the winter racing program in Brisbane, Celestial Legend is more likely to be spelled to prepare for a spring campaign.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the youngster on Saturday when he was hemmed in behind runners in the straight, but he was able to shoulder clear and attack the line with intent.
He scored by 1-1/2 lengths over Ostraka ($6) with leader Jagjit ($9) holding on for third another 1-1/4 lengths in arrears.
Winning rider Dylan Gibbons said Celestial Legend settled well in the run and despite being green, he was a class above his rivals.
“I was pretty confident the way he was travelling,” Gibbons said.
“Even when he did get there, he pricked his ears and had a look around and still got away from them quite easily.
“He’s still twelve months away. He’s lean, there’s not much of him, he hasn’t fully furnished yet.”
Like Classique Legend, Celestial Legend is raced by Bon Ho and sports his white and red colours.
