Merion won the first feature of the day at Flemington on ANZAC Day.
NZ-bred two-year-old Merion travelled nicely in fifth place between runners before racing a bit keenly, as the pace slackened noticeably nearing the turn, and was then held up for a run until passing the 200m.
He drove through when clear and went on to win well by half a length. He looks suited to further and is quite promising.
Light Up Manhattan was just past midfield and three wide with cover before switching wider passing the 400m. He was beaten for pace shortly afterwards but picked up well from the 200m and then ran on soundly for a promising (half length) second. He should appreciate longer and a stronger tempo.
Divan blundered at the start, with Chad Schofield doing well to stay in the saddle. They soon recovered from last to settle in 12th place on the rails. He went to the extreme outside at the 300m and put up an eye-catching performance in getting up to dead-heat for third. In was a most impressive effort on debut and he should be watched.
Lazyaxl was a handy sixth, three wide with cover. He put in a good run to challenge at the 300m, took the lead at the 200m and kept fighting gamely to the post to dead-heat for third.
