The fifth two-year-old winner of the season for Snitzel looks to have a bright future after making a winning debut in the Ladbrokes Mates Mode Hcp (1300m) at Sandown-Hillside on Wednesday.
The Jason Warren-trained debutant Freakofnature has race smarts that will carry him a long way.
The handsome chestnut settled beautifully just off the speed for Ethan Brown, and when asked to take a narrow gap between the tiring leaders How Dare You and Carnival Row, he did not flinch.
The son of Snitzel defeated the promising Dundeel colt Fistsoffury by a half-length, with the Zoustar filly Celestial Storm three-quarter length back in third.
Freakofnature was a $250,000 purchase for his trainer from the Westbury Stud draft at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Jason Warren said he bought Freakofnature without having a buyer lined up.
"I got home and realised we did not have anyone for him, and it was a long syndication process," Warren said.
" He is all sold and came here today with a bold chance. It was pleasing to see him get the job done.
"He ran second in his official trial at Geelong when a bit soft and needed it. So we gave him another one at Mornington last week, where he beat a progressive 3yo.
"That gave us the confidence to come here today. I said to Ethan that we expect him to run well. Just ride him where he is comfortable. He is a big strong colt and will take any gap.
"I think he will be three lengths better with blinkers, so there is a bit to look forward to.
'He was a little fat kid at the yearling sales. When Joe Cunningham broke him in, he trimmed up nicely.
"He is an athletic colt and very exciting.
"He holds a nomination for the Blue Diamond, but we will see how he gets through today before mapping a course. I do think he will be a lovely Sires horse."
A brother to Group II-placed Discharged, Freakofnature is the fourth winner from five to race for the former top-class racemare No Evidence Needed.
A $130,000 yearling No Evidence Needed was a shining light for Nathan Tinkler. The daughter of Shamardal won six and placed in seven of her 23 starts with earnings of $639,755.
She won the Group II VRC Let's Elope Stakes and Group III ATC Southern Cross Stakes, and was edged out by stablemate Small Minds in the Group 1 Schweppes Oaks and fell a neck short of Response in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.
Gerry Harvey purchased No Evidence Needed for $720,000 at the Patinack Dispersal in 2014.
David Ellis shelled out $525,000 for Baramul Stud's I Am Invincible colt out of Evidence Needed at the Gold Coast in January.
After foaling a Zoustar colt in November, No Evidence Needed visited Ole Kirk.
