Typically well-educated as you would expect from this stable, two year-old colt Santos jumped well and quickly found the front for Josh Parr.
He travelled one off the fence outside of Epaulette filly Meryl, who also ran encouragingly,
making a real race of it with Santos until the colt drew clear at the finish to
win the 900 metre heat by a length.Raced by a syndicate headed by Mt Hallowell Stud, Santos was a $180,000 Inglis Classic purchase for his trainers from the Emirates Park draft and is a half-brother to Aussie bred Japanese stakes-winner Melagrana.
He is from good producer Ghaliah, a half-sister by Secret Savings (USA) to Group II winners Mutawaajid, Adeewin and Fatoon, the dam of Group I winner Fat Al. This is a family Gai Waterhouse knows inside out, so Santos will have every opportunity to excel.
Interesting runner in the trial was expensive Fastnet Rock filly Symi, a full sister to Group I MRC Blue Diamond winner Catchy.
A $700,000 Magic Millions purchase for Alan Bell, the Hawkes Racing trained filly jumped on terms but had no idea what to do next and trailed along five lengths behind the field before gradually tacking on.
She joined in down the running with her big long stride, but soon got tired to finish last of the five runners, so it will be interesting to have another look at her when she understands that jump means go!
