Few debutants make a stronger statement than the Toronado (IRE) gelding Moby Dick, who put a field of thirteen maidens to the sword over 1200m at Pakenham on Sunday.
Ridden by Jye McNeil for Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, Moby Dick launched down the centre of the track to defeat the Toronado (IRE) filly Happy Link by a widening three and three-quarter lengths with the Zoustar filly Zaszou back in third.
Happy Link went off an odds-on favourite following a luckless third when on debut at Moonee Valley. The Greg Eurell-trained filly had no answer to the blistering finish of Moby Dick.
“It was a great effort. We got into a lovely position, and he relaxed perfectly. Once in clear air, he was fantastic to the line with lots more to give,” McNeil enthused.
“I was a little concerned that when he let down, he quickened so quickly I hit the front and was exposed early down this long straight. But he was very professional, put the race away, and will continue improving.
“The team had him well conditioned for today, and he handled the 1200m comfortably, and I’m sure he will get over more distance in time. He was perfect today.”
A $200,000 buy for MG Price Racing & Breeding from the Sullivan Bloodstock draft at the 2022 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, Moby Dick is the first foal to race for the unraced Sebring mare Queen Of The Sea, a half-sister to five metropolitan winners from the family of stakes-winner Gold Aura.
Lindsey Smith Racing purchased a brother at the Inglis Premier last year for $180,000.
Moby Dick was the second winner for Toronado (IRE) to make a winning debut.
The 4-year-old Clayton Douglas-trained mare Sheeza Toronado made a belated debut over 1000m to make it one-for-one.
