Three-year-old colt Rocket Spade made the perfect start to his racing career when taking out the One Agency Matamata 1400 on debut at Matamata on Wednesday.
The Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained gelding jumped well from barrier 10 and settled midfield for jockey Craig Grylls.
They improved four-wide turning for home and he was able to run away to a three-quarter of a length victory over Lord Painton, with a further three-quarters of a length back to Sweet Hunter in third.
“We were pleased with him, he quickened well, but he has still got a lot to learn,” Scott said.
“The most encouraging thing for us was how he went through the line and sustained a good gallop.
“We were confident he would run well, but we were cautious of the barrier draw.
“Often at Matamata it is hard to make ground, but fortunately Craig got him in from the draw and managed to keep the leaders in his sights.”
The Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) remains the key target for the promising galloper.
“We are heading that way providing his maturity and form,” Scott said.
“We will just see how he comes through this race, but we will just take it race-by-race.”
