Joe Pride's Our Mantra has stormed over the top of his rivals for a breakthrough victory in the Casino Prince@Vinery Maiden Plate (1200m) at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
The son of Sebring settled off midfield on the rail and travelled strongly throughout for Corey Brown, while favourite Readycatgo controlled the race from the front.
Coming to the turn, Brown eased Our Mantra across heels to the centre of the track where the gelding knuckled down to overhaul David Pfieffer's Readycatgo ($3.40) and score by three-quarters-of-a-length, with a further head back to Chris Waller's Improvise ($5.50) in third.
"I really liked that win today. I thought he was super relaxed and the best part of the race was the last bit," Pride said.
"He's a really nice horse, I think.
"By Sebring, a good stallion and there is a bit of depth to his pedigree on both sides.
"He was just a bit immature last preparation, more mentally than anything, physically he's an imposing big brute. I think once we get him up over more ground, especially ridden like that, he'll be more effective.
"He doesn't even look right in the coat yet so, when he does get that improvement in him he could be a horse of some significance. It was a good way to start the preparation."
Pride has no set plans for the gelding although he is confident he has the ability to measure up to better quality races.
"I don't really anything planned because we're not sure how far he's going to get but I think he'll end up a carnival horse," he said.
Corey Brown was also complimentary of the win and believes he may be suited on a more open circuit.
"He's a big horse," Brown said. "He's going to love getting to those bigger tracks like Rosehill and Randwick.
"He got the job done here today and he's got bigger and better things in store."
