The Chris Munce-trained Kahlisee credited Oakwood Farm's young Snitzel stallion Dracarys with his first 2-year-old winner of the season when making a winning career debut in the Widden Basil Nolan Jr Plate (1000m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Ridden by Samantha Collett, Kahlisee came with a powerful finish to defeat the Kobayashi filly Mishani Storm by a half-length, with The Mission filly Mishani Fire three-quarters of a length back in third.
Kahlisee would not win any prizes in the parade ring as she has yet to shed her winter coat.
"I went against three rules in running her today," Munce revealed.
"Number one, I rarely run a 2-year-old off one trial – two, she drew terribly – and three, she didn't look like the winner in the parade ring. I told the owners that this would end up good or a disaster.
"I galloped her on Monday morning and couldn't believe how she went. Off that, I thought I had to run her. The 2-year-old races have not been strong so far, so I thought I would roll the dice as she would have to trial on Tuesday anyway. So, it was a barrier trial with prizemoney.
"Like humans, some horses feel the cold, and some don't. She has taken a lot of time to drop her hair, but this will clean her up nicely, and she will improve a lot."
A $45,000 purchase by her trainer from the Oakwood Farm draft at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale, Kahlisee is the first foal of the All Too Hard mare Woolsey.
Martin and Sally Rafter purchased the 3-time winner Woolsey for $11,500 at the 2020 Inglis September (Late) Online Sale.
The Rafters retained an interest in Kahlisee.
Woolsey has a yearling sister to Kahlisee and was covered by Lean Mean Machine last spring.
