Lindsay Park’s promising Sidestep colt Liberty Steps may step up to stakes company after opening his winning account in the Bert Bryant Hcp (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Third on debut behind Amenable and Jamarra, Liberty Steps turned the tables on Jamarra as the pair singled out.
Ridden by Craig Williams for Ben and JD Hayes, Liberty Steps defeated Jamarra (Duporth) by a half-length with three and a half lengths back to the favourite Plus Fours (Cable Bay) in third.
“He was a little bit green first-up, and we thought it was a very good run,” Ben Hayes said.
“With the application of winkers, he did look to roll along in that race, but he was still green and dropped the bit.
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uo;He joined in at the right time, and Craig had to make him win, but I thought it was impressive.
“I want to see how he pulls up, but it was a nice win. Jamarra’s not a bad guide - has been very competitive around the good horse, so we’ll see he comes through it and make a plan from there.”
Liberty Steps was a $130,000 purchase for Lindsay Park Racing / Andrew Williams Bloodstock from the Widden Stud draft at the 2021 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
Bred by the Vieira Group, he is the first foal of the winning Snippetson mare Liberty Jane.
An $80,000 purchase for Bowness Stud from the Telemon Thoroughbreds draft at the 2019 National Broodmare Sale, Liberty Jane is a half-sister to Group 1 AJC Galaxy Stakes and Group 1 AuRc Railway Stakes winner Atomic Force (Danehill Dancer).
Liberty Jane has a yearling colt by Trapeze Artist and was covered by the 4-time Group 1 winning son of Snitzel again last spring.
Liberty Steps is the second 2yo winner of the season for Telemon Thoroughbreds royally bred Exceed And Excel stallion Sidestep, the sire of Golden Slipper winner Kiamichi.
