The decision to head north with the 2-year-old colt Commanding Artist paid off when the son of Trapeze Artist opened his winning account in the Racecourse Village Hcp (1200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Commanding Artist was cross-entered in the opener at Rosehill, where he was scratched after drawing barrier 17. The Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained colt needed every inch of the 1200m to run down the stubborn Smart Missile filly Dream Smart by a neck.
It was two and three-quarter lengths back to the Divine Prophet debutant Enterprise Defence, who was doing his best work late.
Commanding Artist was well-supported on debut when fifth to the promising Parkour at Randwick on December 30.
Gerald Ryan said the striking colt is looking for further.
“He is a big horse and will be better over more ground – 1400m to 1600m later on,” Ryan said.
“We had him in Sydney, but he drew barrier 17, so we brought him up here. I said to Bert (Vieira) it’s a bit of practice to see how he cops a trip away. He is immature in the brain.
“His (half) sister, Sky Command, by Deep Field, was very fast, but this fellow will be better as he gets older and over more ground.
“I might give him a break and prepare him for Winter up here with those 1400m. and 1600m races.”
A homebred for the Vieira family, Commanding Artist is a half-brother to the Gr III ATC The Nivison and Listed ATC Razor Sharp Handicap winner Sky Command, who visited Trapeze Artist in September at her first season at Stud.
Commanding Artist’s dam Love Commands (Commands) was a Wyong maiden winner in 13 starts.
A daughter of Octagonal’s Group III Tatt's QLD Tattersall's Cup and Group III SAJC Christmas Handicap winner Sky Love, Love Commands has a colt foal by Trapeze Artist and was covered by the Widden Stud resident in October.
Commanding Artist is the second 2yo winner of the season for Trapeze Artist after the top-class Spywire.
