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Trainer Robbie Laing knows what it takes to win a Victoria Derby and believes Kentucky Flyer is heading in the right direction.
Laing favourably compared Kentucky Flyer to his 2013 derby hero Polanski after the colt won at his spring return at Cranbourne on Sunday.
By Street Sense out a Desert Prince mare, Kentucky Flyer had raced just once before, finishing last in the Blue Diamond Preview as a juvenile, but had indicated potential when beating home Ready For Victory in a recent barrier trial.
Staring an $8.50 chance under Vlad Duric, Kentucky Flyer settled just behind the speed and joined the leaders on straightening, beating off Fabulonh to win by two lengths in the 3YO Maiden Plate over 1200 metres.
Laing said he had considered the colt the right type for a derby well before Sunday’s win and also indicated the Caulfield Classic – previously known as the Norman Robinson Stakes – was a suitable target.
Kentucky Flyer was one of several promising winners at the Cranbourne meeting.
Lonhro sired two impressive debutante winners, starting with blue-blooded filly Hela Flyer, an impressive debut winner for the Pat Carey stable.
Starting a $7 chance under Patrick Moloney, Hela Flyer dashed away in the straight to score by three-and-a-quarter lengths in the fillies and mares maiden over 1200 metres.
The filly is part of the Redoute’s Choice family, from the city-winning mare Hela Dubai, a full sister to Australia Guineas winner and successful sire Al Maher.
Hela Flyer firmed into $31 with the TAB for the Thousand Guineas after her debut performance and also holds a nomination for the Caulfield Classic.
Michael Kent’s Data Point was a hot $1.75 favourite for his debut and made it a Lonhro double with a narrow win in the maiden plate over 1400 metres.
An impressive recent trial winner, Data Point sat behind the speed and surged to the front in the straight, holding off the challenge of Mick Price’s Nurburgring.
Data Point is a $21 chance with the TAB for the Caulfield Guineas.