The 6yo Galileo (IRE) gelding Serpentine visited the winner's stall for the first time since the 2020 Epsom Derby when downing three opponents in the Robbie Fradd Hcp (2200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Ridden by Tim Clark for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Serpentine (IRE) led from the front. He came under extreme pressure from the favourite Kalapour, but as so often is the case, it's one thing to level up but another to pass these Tulloch Lodge residents.
Conceding the runner-up 5.5kgs Serpentine (IRE) defeated Kalapour (IRE) (War Command) by three-quarters of a length, with Red Wave (Red Dazzler) four and a half lengths back in third.
The son of Galileo (IRE) was making his debut for the Waterhouse – Bott stable and was having his first start since being distances in the Melbourne Cup in November.
Tim Clark said the stable wanted the classic winner to debut on a good track.
"They elected not to run him in Sydney a couple of weeks ago on the wet, waited for this race," Clark said.
"I'm sure Gai and Adrian will get plenty of satisfaction out of that horse winning today. He came from overseas in good form, and maybe things didn't work out quite right for him in the spring with the wet tracks. This was the perfect race to kick him off, and he did the job nicely.
"He's on track for a Brisbane Cup campaign after that win.
"This is a beautiful kick-off point. He won't need a lot of races leading up to a two-mile race (Brisbane Cup). He was strong through the line.
"He responded when he sensed that horse (Kalapour) come to him. He had to give that horse race fitness and 5.5kgs. On the line, he was pulling away from him. It was a good strong win to start the prep."
Serpentine (IRE) is one of five stakes-winners for Danehill Dancer's Epsom Oaks runner-up Remember When a three-quarter sister to the champion Dylan Thomas (Danehill).
