VINERY Stud resident Excites brought up his first stakeswinner when first crop star Flag Officer led throughout to win the WATC Listed T.J. Smith Trophy (1600m) at Ascot yesterday and was immediately hailed as a Derby prospect by his trainer.
The Paul Jordan housed 3YO’s win in the feature was just reward for consecutive placings in the Perth Magic Millions and Listed Challenge Stakes run seven days apart.
Flag Officer’s victory was the third of his career together with five placings and total earnings of $124,850.
“He gave them all a chance to have a go at him,” Jordan said after the race. “He did all the donkey work and it’s up to the others to beat him.
“Each of his runs have been terrific. He’s a real quality horse that is a real athlete in himself.
“We’re hoping he can run the mile and a half. He’s a half brother to a couple of horses who ran over 2200 or so.
“He’s the first crop of his sire Excites and who knows how far they will go.
“He is built like a stayer though. He is athletic and stands over some ground and we’re hoping we can stretch him out further,” Jordan added.
Meanwhile, Excites’ stocks continue to soar over this side of the continent via recent Canterbury winner, Potluck, and the talented Queanbeyan two-year-old, Red Excitement, who is scheduled to contest the Listed ACT Black Opal Stakes (1200m) next Sunday.
