Trainer Grahame Begg believes Nonconformist can keep stepping up after the progressive three-year-old backed up a recent big-margin maiden win with a first city victory.
Nonconformist broke his maiden at his third start with a six-length win at Pakenham last month over 1600m before accounting for a small field by 2-1/2-lengths at a rain-sodden Caulfield in Saturday’s John Moule Handicap over the same distance.
Saturday’s race was part of Begg’s plan for Nonconformist as a stepping stone towards the Group Two Autumn Classic (1800m) for three-year-olds at the same track three weeks later.
Begg also has the Alister Clark Stakes in his plans after the Autumn Classic but is mindful not to press on too deep into the gelding’s first preparation.
“This is only his first preparation so it’s exciting,” Begg said.
“You’d like to think he will keep on getting that bit better with racing but I’m also mindful it’s only his first racing preparation.
“He’s always been a work in progress. I hate to say it but he’s been very dumb in the head but he’s coming around and each time he goes to the races he’s getting that bit better.
“He’s come a long way in his first preparation to be running in town on a Saturday.”
In a field of six, jockey Jordan Childs positioned Nonconformist ($3.80) outside leader Brazen Song and they were able to hit the front approaching the 100m before drawing clear.
Brazen Song ($11) held second just ahead of favourite Mr Cancun ($3.50).
Begg and Childs are convinced Nonconformist will be even better when he can settle off the pace in a bigger field and chase.
“I really think he’s going to make a nice horse,” Childs said.
“He’s still got a bit to learn but he’s heading in the right direction.”
