The honest two-year-old Maurice (JPN) colt Namesake opened his stakes account with a hard-fought victory in the Listed Oxlade Stakes (1300m) at Eagle Farm.
Given a ground-saving ride by Mark Zahra, the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained colt defeated the $850,000 I Am Invincible colt Heman by a nose with the honest Rich Enuff filly Abounding a half-length back in third.
Namesake made a winning debut at Warwick Farm on April 10 and did not have the rub of the green at his two starts when second at Gosford behind the promising Chrysaor and fourth at Rosehill behind Celestial Legend.
"The team have done a great job with him," Maher said.
"He hasn't had the last couple of races go his way. He drew well today and was always going to get a nice run with a beautiful ride by Mark Zahra.
"He's really maturing through the prep, and I think he'll have a little break now and likely get ready for the spring."
Mark Zahra said it was a timely change of luck.
"He's got a good turn-of-foot, and the last two runs haven't been able to use that," Zahra said
"He drew well, soft run, and the gap came at the right time. He kicked and held on at the end."
A $100,000 purchase for Ciaron Maher Bloodstock from the Arrowfield Stud draft at the 2022 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, the flashy chestnut is the second foal and second winner for the Redoute's Choice mare Banksia.
Shortly 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.
Banksia is a half-sister to Group 1 winner and successful sire Foxwedge and Listed winner She's A Fox.
John Warren Bloodstock purchased Banksia for $380,000, on behalf of Arrowfield, from the Coolmore Stud draft at the 2015 Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
Kendrick Racing went to $120,000 for a Written Tycoon filly from Banksia 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 second 2yo stakes winner of the season for Arrowfield Stud shuttler Maurice (JPN) and his 15th stakes winner worldwide.
