Aramco Racing's highly regarded Snitzel colt Gatsby's held a nomination for Saturday's Group II Silver Slipper Stakes at Rosehill before the decision was made to kick-start his career in the Ranvet Maiden Hcp (1100m) at Canterbury on Friday and he passed his first test with flying colours.
Ridden by James McDonald for Chris Waller, Gatsby's tracked the well-supported Shalaa (IRE) debutant Roselyn's Star, who begrudgingly conceded in the final 50m to fall three-quarters of a length short.
The Godolphin first starter Silmarillion, a Too Darn Hot (GB) half-sister to Group 1 ATC Royal Randwick Guineas winner Kementari and Listed winner Telperion, made up ground late to be three lengths back in third.
The three placegetters all look to have a future.
"He is a nice colt, and maybe we took the easier option in running him here tonight," stable representative Chris Harwood said.
'We will take him home and see how he pulls up. If he puts his hand up for the (Golden) Slipper, we will go down that path. If he has had enough, we will give him the time he wants."
A brother to the Group II MRC Blue Diamond Prelude winner Letzbeglam and stakes-placed Snazz 'N' Charm, Gatsby's is the fifth winner from six to race for the Forestry mare Miss Charming (USA).
Bred by Phoenix Thoroughbred, Gatsby was a $220,000 purchase for Aramco Racing from the Vinery Stud draft at the 2023 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
Miss Charming is a sister to Grade III winner Forest Grove and half-sister to dual Grade 1 winner Tout Charmant out of Grade II winner Charm A Gendarme (USA).
Malua Bloodstock/Shane Morrissy had the final say at a reasonable-looking $140,000 for a sister to Gatsby's consigned by Widden Stud to the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Miss Charming (USA) foaled an Acclaim (IRE) colt in October and was covered by Zoustar.
Gatsby's is the seventh 2-year-old winner of the season and sixth in Australia for Snitzel.
