With connections keen to get a run into their two-year-olds before the end of the season, a full field of fifteen went to the post for Wednesday’s Ladbrokes Same Race Multi Hcp (1300m) Sandown-Lakeside, and it was won by a horse with a future.
With Beau Mertens in the saddle, the top weight Sharp Response was caught wide the trip from an outside barrier. The 2yo gelded son of Maurice (JPN) was brave down the straight in turning back the challenge of the Star Witness filly Star Spirit by a length with the Shamexpress gelding Murrami Express a neck back in third.
Trained by Julius Sandhu, Sharp Response made a winning career debut over 1100m at Sale on June 9 before finishing a game second behind the top-class Manhattan Rain colt Jigsaw over 1100m at Caulfield on June 26.
“I said to Beau that we would not have much chance going back from that barrier. So I said to try and ride him a bit positive and try and get some cover,” Sandhu said.
“It didn’t eventuate, but he got in a good rhythm, and he travelled well, and on the bend, he looked to have plenty of horse under him.
“He’s a tough boy this one. He fights and gives you plenty when you go after him. He is obviously looking for a trip, so I was happy to get him to the 1300m, up the hill. He got to the front a bit early, but he fought on, so, nice win.
“We went out to the sales, and I think he was passed-in. He was a little on the small side. He has grown a bit after he was gelded. I looked at him and liked him. We made an offer, and the rest is history.
“He is sound, so we might have one more start, but if not, we will put him out.”
Purchased by Sandhu Racing for $70,000 out of the Flinders Park Stud draft at the 2020 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, Sharp Response is the second foal and first winner for hard-knocking Host (CHI) mare Marli Magic.
Also, a Premier Yearling Sale graduate, Marli Magic won five and placed in seven of her 30 starts while banking $228,155.
McDonald Racing purchased Marli Magic’s Impending filly for $80,000 when offered by Flinders Park at this year’s Inglis Premier.
After foaling an Impending colt last spring, Marli Magic was covered by Headwater.
Bred by Brisden Bloodstock, Sharp Response is one of eight first-crop winners for Arrowfield Stud’s Maurice (JPN).
The Japanese Horse Of The Year commands a fee of $44,000 at Arrowfield Stud in the forthcoming season.
