‘Proper horse’.
They were the two words Jamie Kah whispered to James Cummings’ Melbourne representative Sean Keogh after the impressive win of Aft Cabin at Sandown on Wednesday.
Aft Cabin demoralised his opposition in taking out the Tile Importer Plate (1400m) with a brilliant turn of foot, suggesting better wins are in store for the son of Astern.
Sent out the $1.95 favourite, Aft Cabin registered a six-length win from Bel Air ($5.50) with American Liaison ($9) a head away third.
Following his victory on Wednesday, TAB slashed Aft Cabin’s quote from $51 to $11 third favourite for the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 8.
“He’s a very nice horse,” Kah said.
“He’s definitely above average and has the temperament and attitude to go with it.
“I felt like I had the race a long way out, but he still surprised me when I gave him a squeeze. He was still in second gear and had plenty of gears left.”
Aft Cabin was defeated into second spot on heavy ground on debut at Warwick Farm over 1200m last month and certainly appreciated the rise in trip and the firmer going on Wednesday.
Keogh said Cummings was likely to map a program to the Guineas following the victory.
“That was ultra-impressive,” Keogh said.
“The race played out beautifully. Jamie got him in a lovely spot, and it’s come to fruition of what everyone thought of him at home.
“A couple of weeks ago you have to make those nominations for the big races if you have some sort of opinion about your horse.
“He’s put them away in good style in a maiden and I’m sure James will be looking at Saturday races with him over the next month and hopefully he can continue that journey.”