After splitting Gingernuts and Jon Snow in the NZ Derby in March 2017, much was expected of Rising Red, but he came out of that race with an injury that kept him out of racing for 12 months.
The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained gelding had been winless in 15 months when lining up for Saturday's Group III Premier's Cup (2200m) at Doomben.
With Corey Brown in the saddle the lightly raced son of Redwood (GB) sat up on the pace set by With A Promise, took control at the 300 metres and kept up a relentless gallop to defeat Maurus (GB) by one and a quarter lengths with Sedanzer a long-head back in third.
"He ran second in the NZ Derby then did a suspensory, so he was out for twelve months," Busuttin revealed.
"He hit the front too soon last start, but he put them away today, which was good to see.
"Corey said he learned a bit about him last start and he is a world-class jockey, so we were very happy to have him on board and very happy for the Cranbourne Turf Club boys who share in the ownership of this horse."
Busuttin said they will press on to the Brisbane Cup
I don't know what that does to his weight. He was on the minimum of 54kgs but that's where we're heading and he should be hard to beat on that.
Corey Brown said Rising Red is still learning his craft.
"He's not the sharpest tool in the shed, he's a lovely horse, obviously a big staying type," Brown said.
"Trent said he had him in fine condition coming here today. He cost himself the race the other day. He didn't know where he was, he gawked at everything and ran about everywhere. Today was a different story and pinned the ears back and chased to the line."
A homebred for Carter Bloodstock, Rising Red is one of five winners from as many foals out of the unraced High Yield mare Diva In Red.
A half-sister to Listed winner The Mikado (Danehill Dancer) and the stakes-placed Brilliant Chapter (Commands), Diva In Red is a daughter of the handy racemare Lirico (Rigoletto) who is out of that mighty little racemare, Princess Talaria.
Diva In Red had a yearling full-brother to Rising Red who was sold for $75,000 at session two at Karaka.
After missing to Redwood in 2016, Diva In Red was covered by the Group 1 winning son of High Chaparral again last spring.
Rising Red becomes the second stakes-winner for Redwood (GB) (pictured) who will stand for $10,000 (+GST) at Westbury Stud in 2018.
