A surprise debut winner by Zoustar for the Mark Newnham stable on Tuesday at Hawkesbury looks like he has more to offer.
Four unplaced barrier trials saw three year-old colt Nashira sent off at $25 in the 1100m maiden, but it seems that he just needed the added excitement of race day to bring out his best.
Well ridden by Josh Parr, Nashira settled back in the field and looked a forlorn winning hope after turning for home, but when angled into the clear with a furlong to run he grabbed the bit and worked through his gears.
Nashira arrived on the line to win by a long head going away.
Nashira was a $210,000 Magic Millions Weanling Sale purchase from the Kambula Stud draft for Yulong Investments and runs in their colours after passing in when they offered him for re-sale at Inglis Premier.
He is the seventh winner from Group III winner Aunty Betty and is a half-brother to stakes-placed Hot Relation.