In five of his first six starts, Ducasse tackled stakes company and was not disgraced in any of them; little wonder punters unloaded when the son of Trapeze Artist dropped back to midweek company in the Farnan Yearlings Selling Now Maiden Plate at Warwick Farm.
Given a quiet ride by Tommy Berry, the Michael Freedman-trained colt unleashed a powerful finish from last on the turn to win by a widening two and a half lengths.
Appearing from a 14-week break after finishing third to Chrysaor and Snowman in the $1,000,000 Group II Callander-Presnell at Randwick, Ducasse defeated the Epaulette gelding Detendu with the American Pharoah (USA) filly Redbreast
“He has been racing against good horses, and we know his quality, which he showed today,” stable representative Sophie Johnson said.
“We were not sure this was the best race to start off, but we threw him in to start the preparation, and there are definitely big things in store for him.”
A $280,000 purchase for Michael Freedman Racing / Julian Blaxland Bloodstock from the Segenhoe Thoroughbreds draft at the 2022 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, Ducasse is the sixth winner from seven to race for the stakes-winning Lonhro mare Custard.
They are led by the Group III winner, Serene Majesty (Fastnet Rock), the Listed winner, Curdled (All Too Hard), and the stakes-placegetters Panna Cotta (Fastnet Rock) and Brulee (Hinchinbrook).
The grand-producing Lonhro mare Custrad foaled another Zoustar filly in September and was covered by Anamoe.
Widden Stud’s Trapeze Artist is staging a one-act affair of the race for champion second-season sire for both earnings and individual winners.
