The Annabel Neasham-trained Verne may have earned a trip to Brisbane for the Listed Oxlade Stakes at Eagle Farm on Stradbroke Handicap Day after the two-year-old son of Snitzel overcame a troubled run to break his maiden at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
Caught three-wide the trip over 1100m, Verne toughed out an impressive one and three-quarter length winner over the Maurice gelding Lucky Sun with a long-head back to the Hinchinbrook filly Miss In Charge in third.
It was the second start for Verne, who had little luck when second behind In The Congo on the Kensington track at Randwick on May 19.
Winning jockey Hugh Bowman said Verne has a very bright future.
"He was good first-up, but he is still learning," Bowman said.
"He is not straightforward, although he has the talent. I can see him continuing to develop mentally. Although it was only over 1100m today, he gave me the feel of a horse that would have no trouble over 7f or maybe a mile.
"If he can get that distance range, the world is his oyster."
Neasham said she would monitor how the son of Snitzel pulls up before mapping out a programme, but has earmarked the Oxlade Stakes.
"We have always liked him. He had a little setback last prep and went for a short break," Neasham said.
"I still think he will furnish again, and he is still quite raw. He did not do a lot wrong today. He faced the breeze without much cover and put them away nicely.
"There is the Oxlade Stakes at Eagle Farm on Saturday week, or we could leave him down here. If he comes through well, we could give him one more. But I definitely think he is spring quality, so at some stage, we will put him away for a short break."
Racing in the colours of Phenix Thoroughbreds, Verne was purchased by Aquis Farm for $300,000 out of the Highgrove Stud draft at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
A brother to Widden Victoria's Group II ATC Rosebud Stakes winner and Group 1 MVRC William Reid Stakes runner-up Thronum, Verne is the sixth winner from as many to race out of the Helena's Secret (USA).
A half-sister to the stakes-winner Tears I Cry (Chester House) from the family of Street Cry (IRE), Helena's Secret (Five Star Day) has a yearling I Am Invincible colt that bought by IRON / George Moore Bloodstock for $420,000 at Easter this year.
That is her final foal as she died in August last year.
