The Almanzor (FR) debutant United Kingdom provided a timely update for his brother, who is set to go under the hammer at Karkaka on Monday when storming home from last to first in the Viatek Fujifilm Maiden Plate (1506m) at Geelong on Sunday.
Ridden by Ben Melham for Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, United Kingdom, settled at the tail of the field under a patient ride before being roused out of his slumber just before the home turn.
Coming widest of all, the son of Almanzor (FR) picked off runner after runner to make a winning debut by three-quarters of a length from the Merchant Navy filly Cat Noir with the Staphanos (JPN) gelding Rishiri in third.
The lone first starter in the 13-horse field, United Kingdom’s ability was no secret. He started odd-on and won like a horse with a future.
Bred by Chris Grace, United Kingdom, was a $260,000 purchase for Aramco Racing from the Bhima Stud draft at the 2022 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.
His full brother is in the Little Avondale Stud draft at Karaka, where he will be offered near the conclusion of Day 2 (lot 473).
A half-brother to multiple stakes-placed Motivation (Mastercraftsman), United Kingdom is the third winner from as many to race for the 5-time winning Zabeel mare Tenacity a half-sister to Group II Wellington Cup winner Graphic.
