Pampelonne could have a shot at the Melbourne spring carnival after his impressive debut win at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
The talented three-year-old showed his class in the Free Entry Today Maiden Handicap (1100m) and trainer Tim Martin said he had high hopes for Pampelonne.
“This was my best two-year-old last year,” Martin said.
“He’s the real deal.”
Martin said the sprinter had taken a while to mature but was set to give his rivals a run for their money at Rosehill at his next start on October 8.
“He’s very promising,” Martin said.
“He’ll go to Rosehill on Saturday fortnight and if he wins there he’ll go to Melbourne.”
Pampelonne is owned by Racing NSW chairman Alan Bell.
Jockey Hugh Bowman said the gelding made his own luck.
“We expected him to win, but it’s nice to see him do it,” Bowman said.
He said the Pampelonne was a natural galloper and was set to improve with experience.
“He’s going to win a few more races,” Bowman said.
Pampelonne started out strongly to settle in behind the leaders and dominated the final 300m, winning by two lengths from fellow first starter Toffler and the Gai Waterhouse-trained Neomagic.
Martin said he had been confident the youngster would win his first start.
“I said to Hughie (Bowman), don’t contest the lead, just try and get one to cart you up to the corner. He rode him with a bit of arrogance and won well.”
AAP TURF
