When star jockey Mark Zahra was engaged for just the one ride at Seymour on Thursday, there were plenty of punters that copped the tip as three-year-old gelding Mahershala made a one-act affair of the Vale Ian Dickinson Maiden Plate (1000m).
The talented son of Per Incanto (USA) sports the colours of Ozzie Kheir that have been carried with great success by G1 sprinter Jimmysstar (NZ), who is also by the same sire.
Mahersala romped to an easy three and a quarter length victory at his second Australian start for trainer Ciaron Maher, having placed on debut at Pakenham in February.
While things couldn’t have gone more smoothly in the run, there was drama pre-race with the second and third elects in Fast Freddie and Bright Star were late scratched after the latter reared-up in the barriers.
“With the two late scratchings, it looked like his race to lose, and it was more or less a track gallop for him,” Zahra said.
“He has been a little bit green in his jump-outs, but today was just a great experience for him.
“There was speed on, and we could sit in the one-one. He was having a look at the winning post in the final furlong, but probably because he had nothing else to look at.”
Stable representative Fergus Gregory indicated the talented galloper would be seen again prior to turning four.
By Little Avondale Stud stallion Per Incanto, Mahershala is out of the stakes-winning Fusaichi Pegasus mare Celeris.
Presented by Haunui Farm at the 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale, Mahershala was knocked down to RTR Partnership and McKeever Bloodstock for $255,000.
Later offered at the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale by Kilgravin Lodge, Mahershala failed to meet his reserve and was put into training.
A dual-trial winner in New Zealand, Mahershala won a 1100m heat at Taupo in November for trainer Glenn Old prior to his private sale to a syndicate headed by Kheir. – NZ Racing Desk
