Punters unloaded on the Kim Waugh-trained Conrad to make a winning seasonal debut over 1100m at Hawkesbury on Thursday, which he subsequently did, although all did not go to plan.
Ridden by James McDonald, the progressive 3yo son of Maurice (JPN) was three deep the trip in the seven-horse field. He was strong to the line in defeating the 3yo Foxwedge gelding Fox Fighter by one and a quarter lengths with 3yo flying Artie gelding Flying Crazy a half-length back in third.
Last season Conrad debuted with a luckless second at Canterbury before a facile three and three-quarter length score at Wyong.
Tested a stakes level for the first time in the Group III Schweppervescence (Baillieu) at Rosehill, the son of Maurice (JPN) had a torrid run and finished midfield behind Saif. A post-race vet exam revealed he was slow to recover.
Mark Waugh bred Conrad in association with the Yee family, who had purchased the dam, No Comment, for $90,000 at the 2008 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
No Comment debuted at Moonee Valley back in October 2008 when narrowly defeated by Starspangledbanner in the inaugural runner of the Inglis Banner.
Bred by Dr Paul Craddock, No Comment is a sister to the top-class Hinting and a half-sister to the flying Rubiton gelding Lucky Secret.
Hinting won the Group III MRC Jumeirah International Stakes at Caulfield and was runner-up to Special Harmony in the Group 1 1000 Guineas.
The dam of two winners from four to race, No Comment has a 2yo colt by No Nay Never (USA) and a yearling colt by Your Song. She was covered by Pariah last spring.
