Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott produced a newcomer with a rather controversial name to win on debut at Warwick Farm.
The 3YO, owned by Sir Owen Glen, named AHSO (Sebring-Quench The Thirst) was backed into $2.40 favouritism and led all the way to win the 1200m maiden.
He was the only unraced horse in the field and he had a fair bit on them.
But all through the call, his name was raising concern.
It – the word Ahso – is a common Japanese saying, meaning ‘that kind of thing’ but in English when called quickly during the run, it may sound different.
Anyway, it was an impressive debut.
“He has upside,” said jockey Sam Clipperton. “He definitely will improve off that and once he gets over a bit longer he should be even better. He led them and we rolled off on the turn because it is a very heavy track, but one came up on his inside. He saw it and of his own accord reacted to the challenge, extending away.”
Ahso won by 1.5lengths from CASH REGISTER (Pendragon-It’s All About Money) with the well bred INVESTOR (Written Tycoon-Greytfilly) the same margin back in 3rd.
“We expected him to run like that as he has trialled extremely well,” said stable rep Neil Paine, “and when Sir Owen Glen sends you a horse you just know it will be handy. And he is.”
