It may not have thrilled most punters, but Eternal Warrior launched his career in style with an upset victory in the $175,000 Listed Merson Cooper Stakes at Caulfield.

The Lloyd Kennewell-trained colt defied his $41 quote, surging late under Zac Spain to edge out fellow outsider Stretan Ruler in the 1000-metre sprint.

The son of first-season sire Extreme Warrior had placed in two trials ahead of his debut, and despite Lloyd being in Tokyo for the Japan Cup, the stable travelled with confidence.

“He’s probably doing some shopping and watching the race, it’s fantastic,” Lloyd’s father Gary said.
“He gave a good kick and Zac just rode him a treat. He put him into the race and he finished off.”

Connections will now consider a trip to the Gold Coast for the $3m Magic Millions 2YO Classic on January 17.

Eternal Warrior was slow away but swept into the race out wide, finishing too strongly for a half-head win.

Favourite Alibaba endured a luckless run before grabbing third.

Spain said the colt still has learning to do but showed real promise.
“I liked his turn of foot today… the more I got stuck into my bloke, the more he picked up.”

The win continues the strong start for Extreme Warrior, now with two winners from four runners.