OTI Racing's San Huberto (IRE) landed in Australia with a superior record to most imports. Still, it took him ten starts and over two years to open his account in his adopted homeland.
It came in the 140th running of the Listed Bagot Hcp (2800m) at Flemington on New Year's Day.
Ridden by Ethan Brown, the 7yo son of Speightstown (USA) was making his second start for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace.
Appreciating the solid pace, San Huberto (IRE) was in a race of his own over the final 200m defeating Nobel Heights (Fiorente) by four lengths, with the veteran Sound (GER) (Lando) a length back in third.
A dual Listed stakes-winner in France at three, San Huberto finished third to Spanish Mission in the Belmont Derby. Back in France, he won the Group II Prix Vicomtesse Vigier (3000m).
In a career hampered by a suspensory injury, San Huberto (IRE) advances his record to six wins, four seconds, and seven thirds from 24 starts with earnings of $2,884,407.
"We have tinkered with his gear. He is an older (entire), and the blinkers and tongue tie have given him a bit of focus," Eustice said.
"Lucy and the team at Cranbourne have done a great job with him over a busy festive period.
"Hopefully, this horse will build a bit of confidence now and get another win for OTI and Terry (Henderson).
"A race like the Adelaide Cup would be perfect for him. He will probably run in the Listed Torney Cup (2500m) at Moonee Valley (on February 16) would be a nice warm-up for him."
A €70,000 purchase for Guy Hubert at the 2017 Arqana August Yearling Sale, San Huberto (IRE) is the best of four winners from as many to race for the Rail Link mare Sediciosa whose three wins included the Chantilly Prix de Royaumont.
Sediciosa's stakes-placed half-sister Suspicieuse (Elusive City) is the dam of Aquis Farm's Group II BRC Champagne Classic and Group III ATC Breeders' Plate winner Dubious (Not A Single Doubt).
