Juvenile pacer Major Sam, who rallied strongly to wear down the leaders first-up at Addington on Friday, will head to the spelling paddock for six weeks, providing he’s not sold to Victorian interests.
Major Sam, a smart first-up winner in the Bowden racing colours at Addington on Friday night.
“We’ve had interest for him, as he is Vicbred eligible, so he will be an attractive buy,” said trainer Mark Jones.
“If he’s not sold, he’ll head to the paddock as there is nothing here for him in upcoming weeks,” he said.
Mark was pleased with his debut effort for driver Anthony Butt to finish best from good late finisher, Graywackee Star, prepared by stable foreman Regan Todd, in the hands of Blair Orange Major Sam’s 2YO debutante stablemate, Strike On Command, was a close-up third after settling handy on the outer for Mark, in an all Overport Lodge-trained trifecta.
The winner, bred by Frances and Max Bowden, and raced by the breeders with son Lyndon, rated 1:59.9 for the mobile 2000m.
It was a strong effort after easing back to third last on the outer, improving wide at the 600m, then being eased out four wide on the home turn after Strike On Command moved out to get his chance.
Major Sam, a colt by fast Art Major stallion Major In Art (p2, 1:50.8 & $US849,154), is the second foal from the unraced Holmes Hanover mare Precocious Arden, a half-sister to Sarkozy (six wins, 1:58.7 mile rate, 2100m, Aust), Arden’s Trump (1:54.2, US) and Blanca Martinez (two wins).
The Bowdens’ were attracted to grand-dam Oh So Precious, as she is from the same family as smart fillies: Steady Lady (1:55.4, US, nine NZ wins, 14 USAwins), Steady Niatross (TT, 1:59), Magnificent Yield (TT, 1:58.4) and 1979 Northern Oaks winner Speedy Girl (six wins).