A $2.8 million yearling purchase, The Next Episode ($2.60 favourite) encountered a short hold-up during the straight before forcing through to open space and powering home to claim Wednesday’s Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1000m) by one length from Under Focus ($11).
This marked the young horse’s initial appearance since experiencing a slight problem after his unplaced effort in the Golden Gift (1100m) back in November, and although the scheduling of his comeback rules out next Saturday’s Golden Slipper, the Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes (1100m) at Randwick on April 4 is still very much in view.
“He has always shown plenty of talent and that’s why we got him started in the Golden Gift last preparation,” trainer Ciaron Maher’s assistant Jo Gerard-Dubord said.
“But things didn’t work out on the day. He drew badly and got a squeeze at the start, and he pulled up a bit off after the race.
‘We gave him time, a chance to mature. He’s come right and he’s a lovely horse going forward.
“The Golden Slipper could have been an option, but it has come a bit soon. He’s very sharp and the Kindergarten looks a nice race.”
John O’Shea and Tom Charlton have also discovered a bright young prospect via the victor of the MyPlates Handicap (1000m), Satono Glow ($5).
In her initial race outing, the filly positioned herself rearward in the pack before unleashing a burst of speed to overtake the opposition, positioning her as a candidate for the Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on April 11.
“We’ve got a potential black-type filly on our hands in time, we hope,” co-trainer Charlton said.
“We don’t need to make too many decisions today. We will look after her. There are some options this campaign if needed but there are also some in the spring.”
Satono Glow had Dylan Gibbons aboard, stepping in after star jockey James Mcdonald received a ban for careless riding at Randwick last Saturday and chose to serve it right away.
“James was booked for her,” Charlton said.
“Dylan does a great job for us, so I’m sure James can leave a maiden out of his weekly wins.”
Racing betting markets for the Kindergarten Stakes can be found at trusted Australian betting sites.