Monkstone now appears set to embark on a Caulfield Guineas campaign after saluting in the Download The Sportingbet App Handicap (1200m) on Saturday.
Photo by Racing and Sports
The Peter Moody-trained colt was awkwardly away and despite not looking suited over the 1200m still moved 2.5 lengths clear of his rivals in the straight to break maiden status.
“He's a nice colt,” Moody said.
“He has gone above and beyond.
“He is a bit deceiving at home.
“He is a laid back horse with a great attitude but he comes to the races and puts his game face on.
“He hasn't travelled in a race yet but he has reeled off good sectionals both the other day and I presume today.”
Monkstone will now be given a freshen up with Group racing in the spring on the agenda for the Coolmore raced son of Fastnet Rock.
“It might be interesting when you get him up over seven furlongs or a mile because horses winning off the bridle, you can't wait for them to learn how to travel in a race because they traditionally finish off a lot better,” Moody said.
“He is a $1million colt with a hell of a pedigree owned by a breeding conglomerate like Coolmore, you aim at the main races.
“That is where he needs to be aimed and I think his ability dictates where he goes
“He will duck off to the water walker for a couple of weeks now then we will come back and run him through the Guineas Preludes.”
Vlad Duric echoed these sentiments on returning to scale.
After an awkward getaway, Duric from an inside draw was still able to push forward and the pair loomed immediately upon straightening.
“I was able to navigate the bad start and get him into nice enough of a position,” Duric said.
“Once he did that he travelled very sweet in the run and it was just a matter of moving him to the outside of runners.
“He is a lovely relaxed colt who is definitely going to get over a bit further and he has a very bright future.
“He is going to stretch out over a mile. He has a lovely manner about him that is going to take him a long way.”
