On a day when Maurice (Jpn) had four winners, the star was a two year-old that won on debut.
The Maurice (JPN) debutant Namesake spent most of the straight on one rein but still found a way to win the Drinkwise Maiden Plate for two-year-old colts and geldings over 1100m at Warwick Farm on Monday.
Ridden by Zac Lloyd for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, Namesake crabbed around the home turn before tacking down the length of the straight.
The
flashy chestnut defied the fast-finishing The Autumn Sun debutant Matusalem by a short-head with one and a quarter lengths back to the Written By first-starter Zimbo, who came from last to finish third.
A $100,000 purchase for Ciaron Maher Bloodstock from the Arrowfield Stud draft at the 2022 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, is the second foal and second winner for the Redoute’s Choice mare Banksia.
After Namesake went through the ring, his brother Bank Maur won the Group III Alister Clark Stakes and Moonee Valley, placed in the Group III Manfred Stakes, and was fourth in The Group 1 Australian Guineas.
Kendrick Racing went to $120,000 for a Written Tycoon filly from Banksi consigned by Collingrove Stud to the 2023 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale.
Banksia visited Admire Mars (JPN) last spring, having not been served in 2021.
Namesake is the third 2yo winner of the season for Arrowfield Stud shuttler Maurice (JPN).
