Trainer Michael Clements continued his red-hot form with impressive debut winner Quarter Back on Friday night.

Quarter Back, a Japanese-bred three-year-old by Empire Maker, was bringing up Clements’ 11th winner for the season, just one behind current leader Steven Burridge.

However, Clements had to put the champagne on ice when the “Inquiry” sign flashed. Jockey Benny Woodworth aboard fourth-placed Italian Master thought of objecting but changed his mind after viewing the TV footage.

“It’s been a great start to the year,” said Clements.

“I’ve been here since 1998, it’s been a long journey and things have picked up really nicely in the last couple of years with some nice horses and good owners’ support.”

“This horse (Quarter Back) is a lightly-framed horse and that’s why the saddle might have slipped, but he still did a pretty good job. He came off the pace and from the way he ran, he should be able to get the mile.”

Bustled up early from his barrier No 3, Quarter Back took the drop on the leading duo of Vistara (Chin Chee Seng) and Italian Master.

Worried they might run into dead ends by staying put on the fence, Curatolo pushed his way out before the home turn to get on the front foot, albeit three wide. Quarter Back responded with a brilliant acceleration to sweep past Vistara and Italian Master before easily holding off the fast-closing Kiss Your Song (John Powell) by one length.

Vistara held on gamely for third place another 1 ¼ lengths away, a short head from Italian Master. The winning time was 59.89 seconds for the 1000m on Polytrack.

“He is such a nice horse by Empire Master. He showed he was something special first time out,” said Curatolo.

“Credit to the trainer and the staff and there is a lot more improvement to come out from this first run.”

After Loving You last Sunday, Quarter Back is the second horse to score on debut for Thai owners Falcon Racing Stable within a week. Racing is such a game of fluctuating fortunes because not too long ago, they unfortunately lost another one of their promising young horses, Wooden Heart.

“Unfortunately, we lost Wooden Heart after he suffered from a stomach bacteria and had to be put down,” said Clements.

“Hopefully, tonight’s winner and last week’s with Loving You will help make up for it.”

Wooden Heart also won on debut last November but ran out of the placings at his second and final run on January 7.