Trainer Nick Ryan showed no hesitation in debuting two-year-old Highvol in the Listed Anzac Day Stakes (1400m), and his bold move paid dividends as the son of Microphone became the first horse to win the race on debut.
With Jamie Mott in the saddle, Highvol ($9) took up a prominent position and dug deep late to fend off Stay Cosmic ($4.60) by a head. Just Kick ($5.50) closed well to finish third, a further neck away.
Stable representative Damien Kefford credited Highvol’s experience at the jump outs as crucial to his readiness for such a test.
“From day dot, we’ve always had a big opinion on him,” Kefford said.
“He’s very revy. He’s always been a bit like a very typical Microphone. So we gelded him, gave him a lot of jump outs. Nick decided to roll the dice here, Nick always thought he’d be a 1400m horse plus.”
“So it is a big task to come to Flemington for your first start over 1400 but the wraps that we had on him were warranted today.”
While some may rest on a black-type win, Kefford hinted at loftier ambitions with a potential winter trip north.
“There is some options up in Queensland even, for the end of their winter carnival. So obviously we’ll see how he comes through this run and then maybe plot a path to some two-year-old races up there,” he said, with the Group 1 J J Atkins Stakes (1600m) firmly on the radar.
Jockey Jamie Mott admitted pre-race reports had her bracing for a tough ride but was delighted by the colt’s professionalism.
“Rhys McLeod called me this morning, gave me some insight about him and said he’s just not quite there yet, he’s very immature and that’s probably why he’s had so many jump outs, but he didn’t seem immature out there today, he was very professional and won really well,” she said.
“He was push button out there, he jumped, put himself on the speed, he obviously peaked late first up over 1400 so he’ll improve off that, he was an absolute gentleman to ride. I’ll ride him any day Rhys can’t make the weight.”
The Anzac Day Stakes has launched several stars in recent years, including Merchant Navy and Long John, and Highvol may be the next to follow suit.
