Rated a Breednet ‘One to Watch’ when winning at Geelong earlier this month, two year-old Pierro gelding Saltpeter confirmed his potential when stepping successfully up to Saturday class at Caulfield on Saturday.
Saltpeter scores at Caulfield - image Ross Holburt / Racing Photos
Trained by John Moloney, Saltpeter enjoyed a good run up on the pace for Damien Oliver after jumping from a wide gate and was strong to the line to claim a head win, his second victory from just three starts.
“He had to do a bit of work to get there and then showed good determination to go on and win the race,” said John Moloney.
“He keeps improving and that was only his third start, so we’re pretty happy with that.”
A $200,000 Magic Millions purchase for his trainer from the Segenhoe Stud draft, Saltpeter runs for a syndicate that includes his breeder Robert Crabtree of Dorrington Farm and has already won over $73,000 in prizemoney.
He will now have a short break and look towards the spring.
Saltpeter is the fifth winner from five to race from stakes-placed Fastnet Rock mare Flokkati, who comes from the family of Group II winner The Heavyweight and more recent stakes-winner Malibu Style.
The current yearling from Flokkati, a filly by Brazen Beau, made $120,000 at Inglis Premier this year and she is back in foal to Brazen Beau.
Saltpeter is one of 18 winners by Pierro sired from daughters of Fastnet Rock, that list including Group III winner Rock and stakes-winner Untamed, who is headed for Hong Kong.
