Two exciting juveniles have stamped themselves as horses to follow after eye-catching debut wins in Sydney and Melbourne on Monday, with both already being tipped for black-type targets.
At Sandown, the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained Blind Raise ($3.20) made a strong first impression with a commanding 2¼-length victory in the Happy 50th to Nick and Jamie Gold Handicap (1400m).
The stable wasted no time outlining plans for the gelding, with the Listed Anzac Day Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on April 25 firmly on the radar.
“It was good to see as when they trial up like that at home and then you always want to see them do it on race day,” Busuttin said.
“He’s very calm and I was surprised how calm he was saddling up.”
By Group 1 Victoria Derby and Spring Champion Stakes winner Ace High, Blind Raise has already shown a temperament that sets him apart.
“He has just been bombproof the whole way through,” Busuttin added, noting that the colt’s relaxed nature is not always typical of the breed.
Meanwhile at Rosehill, Chris Waller unveiled another promising youngster in Blitzgal ($2.50), who produced an impressive 3¾-length win in the Drinkwise Plate (1400m).
Despite the dominant margin, Waller believes there is still plenty of improvement to come.
“It was a very good display on debut,” Waller said.
“She still did a few things wrong and was wayward in the straight.
“She was a little bit keen and wobbled when Zac (Lloyd) asked her to come off heels and accelerate.”
Jockey Zac Lloyd was equally encouraged, pointing to her early speed and ability to take up a forward position as key assets for the future.
A $70,000 buy from the 2024 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, Blitzgal is the first winner from her dam Tropezina and looks to have a bright career ahead as she continues to develop.
Both juveniles appear destined for bigger stages, with their debut performances suggesting they could make an impact in upcoming feature races.
Punters can follow their progress and compare markets for upcoming runs via leading betting sites.