Cranbourne trainer Mick Kent unearthed an exciting staying prospect when five-year-old Pauling circled the field from last to win his race debut at Moonee Valley.
A son of Desert King, who sired three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva, Pauling took Kent’s eye early on but injuries delayed his race career until Monday’s CBUS Plate (1600m).
“He hurt his tendon a couple of years ago, then he went through a fence and got injuries to his shoulders which held him back,” Kent said.
“I haven’t been fussed about it because he would have needed time anyway.
“He’s a typical Desert King and was never going to go early.”
Pauling was bred by owner Greg Sceney who has been patient while Kent mapped out a plan to get the gelding to the track.
Kent said he could have picked out an even longer race for Pauling’s debut but the prospect of a tough test on an undulating track at Moonee Valley appealed.
“I thought there being a hill would be in his favour as he is not a horse that has a turn of foot,” Kent said.
Kent hoped Pauling would race more prominently at his first start but instead he couldn’t keep up at the tail of the seven-horse field with good speed in the race.
Ultimately the genuine pace worked in his favour with Rawiller making a run on Pauling approaching the home turn, six lengths off the lead.
“He was still three lengths behind at the 100 metres but outstayed the tired leaders to score by a half length from Durnford and Fastnet Prince.
“I really liked him today but I was hoping to be a bit closer and attack early but it didn’t work out that way,” Kent said.
“He won’t quicken but has got a massive stride and just keeps galloping,” Kent said.
Kent is patient with his stayers and said he would gradually push Pauling through his grades.
“We will bring him along slowly and place him where I think he can win,” Kent said.
“He’s a stayer and when he gets to a mile and a half (1400m) one day he will be a nice horse.”