The 2yo Artie Schiller (USA) powerhouse Steparty made light of his topweight to keep his record at a perfect three for three in Saturday's Rod Johnson Hcp (1420) at Flemington.
The hulking Steparty (image Grant Courtney)
Ridden by Dean Yendall for Paul Preusker, Steparty stalked the early speed set by Manalore and Sandaul. Eased out three wide to mount a challenge on the home turn, Steparty put four lengths on the field when Yedall eased the reins out a notch.
Looking every inch a Caulfield Guineas contender, Steparty was eased down to defeat the promising Harry Angel (IRE) gelding Blazing Harry by one and a quarter length. Blazing Harry was crowded for room in the straight and finished strongly, although the margin may be slightly flattering.
The honest Bolt D'Oro (USA) gelding Bolted In was a further three and a half lengths back in third.
Steparty made a winning debut at Ballarat on May 14 before making everyone sit up and take notice when strolling to a three-and-a-half length victory over 1200m at Flemington on June 3.
Paul Preusker said he could not have been any more impressed.
What does the future hold (image Grant Courtney)
"I loved it. There was a bit of pressure early; he dropped the bridle and had a good turn of foot," Preusker said.
"He ticked all the boxes for me, and I dare say Dean will be happy.
"We will go home, soak it in. He has probably done enough.
"I think he is a great horse. Do you go to the well again? It's tricky. I have had some good tough horses but nothing like this fellow, so it's new ground for me,
"I have no doubt he would swallow up a mile and probably get to 2000m. With a little let-up, he can only get better mentally. We will keep it simple."
A half-brother to Group III Red Anchor Stakes runner-up and $1,000,000 The Showdown third, Scissor Step (Tornado), Steparty is a homebred for Greg Baldwin.
The son of Artie Schiller is the second winner from as many to race for Watch Your Step, which Baldwin purchased from Mick Leonard Millwater Farm, who paid $13,000 for the unraced daughter of Sepoy from the Contract Racing draft at the 2019 Great Southern Sale when carrying a filly by Adelaide.
Sheparty comes from the 13th crop of former shuttler Artie Schiller (USA). The 2005 Breeders' Cup Mile hero earned an honourable pension after covering 18 mares in 2021. The son of El Prado left 12 foals in his final crop born last spring.
