A $2.8 million yearling, The Next Episode ($2.60 fav) was briefly held up for a run in the straight before barging his way into the clear and surging to the line to win Wednesday’s Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1000m) by a length over Under Focus ($11).
It was the youngster’s first start since pulling up with a minor issue following his unplaced finish in the Golden Gift (1100m) in November, and while the timing of his return means Saturday week’s Golden Slipper is off the agenda, the Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes (1100m) at Randwick on April 4 remains a focus.
“He has always shown plenty of talent and that’s why we got him started in the Golden Gift last preparation,” trainer Ciaron Maher’s assistant Jo Gerard-Dubord said.
“But things didn’t work out on the day. He drew badly and got a squeeze at the start, and he pulled up a bit off after the race.
‘We gave him time, a chance to mature. He’s come right and he’s a lovely horse going forward.
“The Golden Slipper could have been an option, but it has come a bit soon. He’s very sharp and the Kindergarten looks a nice race.”
John O’Shea and Tom Charlton also unearthed a promising juvenile in MyPlates Handicap (1000m) winner Satono Glow ($5).
Making her debut, the filly settled at the back of the field and showed a turn of foot to mow down her rivals, putting herself in contention for a start in the Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on April 11.
“We’ve got a potential black-type filly on our hands in time, we hope,” co-trainer Charlton said.
“We don’t need to make too many decisions today. We will look after her. There are some options this campaign if needed but there are also some in the spring.”
Satono Glow was partnered by Dylan Gibbons, who picked up the ride after champion hoop James Mcdonald was suspended for careless riding at Randwick on Saturday and opted to take his penalty immediately.
“James was booked for her,” Charlton said.
“Dylan does a great job for us, so I’m sure James can leave a maiden out of his weekly wins.”