Vinery Stud’s freshman Ole Kirk has created a big impression with his first crop and he produced two new winners on Friday at Newcastle and Ballarat.
At Newcastle it was the Annabel Neasham/Rob Archibald trained debutant Next Jen which came with a powerful finish under Chad Schofield to beat Napoleonic (Wootton Bassett) by a length with Daphnes (Street Boss) third.
“She’s a beauty,” said Schofield.
“I got filled with confidence on the way up. Annabel said she really liked her.
“She just made it very simple for herself.
“Showed great maturity on her debut. She jumped fast. Dropped the bridle with cover. Showed fight, pushed one Godolphins out of the way at the top of the straight.
“A really good debut and beat some good opposition.”
Next Jen was a $30,000 purchase for Annabel Neasham Racing from the Valiant Stud draft at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
At Ballarat it was the David Brideoake / Matt Jenkins trained colt Prestige Ole.
Having his second start, the Ben Allen ridden youngster showed plenty of determination to come strongly in the final stages to beat Mind Battlefield (Magna Grecia) by a neck with Zorb (Zousain) third.
Prestige Ole had been offered as a weanling at the Magic Millions National Weanling Sale, and as a yearling at Inglis Easter, however passed in on both occasions.
He ultimately sold online at the Inglis April (Late) Sale last year for $70,000 when offered by Twin Hills Stud, purchased by E Yeung.
They were the third and fourth season winners for Ole Kirk who has produced two of the best juveniles of the season in ill-fated Breeders Plate winner King Kirk and Magic Millions 2YO Classic heroine O’ Ole.
He sits on top of the first season sires by prizemoney list and second by winners.
The Brideoake / Jenkins team also have Prestige Forever, another promising Ole Kirk youngster which finished second at Listed level on debut last Saturday.