Buggsy provided the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr team with a preview of his talent prior to his acquisition at last year’s Ready To Run sale.
The Harry Angel colt repaid his trainers and connections for their outlay by claiming a first-up success in the Sportsbet Jockey Watch Handicap (1000m) at Sandown on Wednesday.
Sandown Hillside Race 1 | Buggsy
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Buggsy, bought for $300,000 from the Inglis Ready To Run Sale in October, got a spell straight away.
Kent Jnr mentioned the break did wonders for the two-year-old, and with a win in a Caulfield Heath trial last month, he was set for his racetrack bow.
Dispatched as the $2.20 favourite ridden by Craig Williams, Buggsy prevailed by 1-¼ lengths ahead of Money Honey ($11) with Macedon Mission ($71) just a neck further back 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.”
Even as Buggsy gains from having raced, Kent Jnr praised the colt’s performance on 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 colt’s progress this campaign hinges on his condition when he leaves the stall 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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