Ethan Brown suggested Manolo Bling’s future lay outside off-season grade after she got her career off to the perfect start at Caulfield on Saturday.
The daughter of Grunt proved too classy for a field of female rivals in the Sportsbet Jockey Watch 2YO Handicap (1100m).
The Anthony and Sam Freedman -trained youngster was first emergency but gained a run after scratchings and was well-backed to start $5.50 betting app favourite and Brown will not be surprised if the stable’s sights are now redirected towards the Spring Carnival.
“She’s only a slight filly but she’s got a great head on her shoulders and she’s got a lot of natural ability,” Brown said.
“She’ll only improve on what she did today – I don’t think she was really wound up for that – so she’s exciting going forward and certainly does deserve a shot at Stakes grade.”
A $340,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase, Manolo Bling jumped well and led up the three-wide line, but was still able to take over from leader Husk at the 200m and edge away for a 1-1/4-length win.
Husk ($6.50) boxed on to finish second, a length clear of Berezka ($9), who worked home stylishly on debut to nose out Kalimna Views ($8) in the battle for third.
“She had a nice flowing run from the gate, I wasn’t overly concerned (about being three-wide), because she got into a lovely rhythm,” Brown said.
“She was probably in the better part of the track coming down that three-wide lane and she’ll be all the better for the run too.
“She cornered a touch awkwardly, but once we straightened up she really balanced up well and found the line.”