Buggsy offered the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr team an insight into his capabilities prior to his acquisition at a Ready To Run auction last year.
And the Harry Angel colt repaid his trainers and owners with a first-up triumph in the Sportsbet Jockey Watch Handicap (1000m) at Sandown on Wednesday.
Sandown Hillside Race 1 | Buggsy
The market support was spot on for the @MickPriceRacing debutant 👌🏻 @CWilliamsJockey
📺 Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app
REPLAYS: https://t.co/ZIa4a02wC0 pic.twitter.com/qwL8EF2McG— Racing.com (@Racing) March 11, 2026
Buggsy fetched $300,000 at the Inglis Ready To Run Sale in October last year and received a spell straight away.
Kent Jnr noted the break benefited the two-year-old greatly, and following a win in a Caulfield Heath trial last month, he was primed for his racetrack bow.
Ridden by Craig Williams as the $2.20 market elect, Buggsy prevailed by 1-¼ lengths over Money Honey ($11), with Macedon Mission ($71) just a neck behind in third.
“He was very well prepared by Hanover Lodge, but you can tell he lacks that race experience,” Kent Jnr said.
“He was off the bridle quite early but then had to dig deep and his best work was late.”
Although Buggsy will gain from the experience, Kent Jnr had no complaints about how the colt coped during the day at Sandown.
“He’s quite a busy brained horse at home,” Kent Jnr said.
“I think it’s testament to our system. He’s been to the Rosehill stable, transferred to the Cranbourne stable and that’s really brought him on, and he had a Caulfield trial as well.
“Craig’s so good with young horses. He gives them a good experience, gives invaluable feedback to us and the owners.
“I would say that would be the shortest he wants to go. He came off the bridle early and was strong past the post and you would imagine 1100 (metres) or 1200 would suit him better.”
The distance Buggsy progresses this campaign depends on his recovery check on Thursday morning.
“That was a nice introduction, and I see no reason why he would train off,” Kent Jnr said.
“He’s a vibrant colt that eats very well and is full of energy, but tomorrow may tell a different story.
“Whatever the case he’s going to keep improving.”
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