A three-quarter brother to Melbourne Cup winner Verry Elleegant has made an impressive start to his career at Sandown.
Chico Sonado took out the Ladbrokes Mates Mode Plate (1300m) on Wednesday, doing it the tough way from the front.
Ridden by Jamie Mott, Chico Sonado ($13) scored by a long neck from Valspar ($11) with Steel Master ($4.80) a half-length away third.
A New Zealand-bred, Verry Elleegant was one of Australia’s best performed mares winning both the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cups among 16 wins and 12 placings from 42 starts, finishing just shy of $15 million in prize money.
Chico Sonado is by the same sire as Verry Elleegant – Zed – and is from Hermione, a half-sister to the Melbourne Cup winner.
Trainer Brett Scott explained Chico Sonado was purchased privately after he failed to reach his reserve as a yearling.
“He’s a three-quarter brother to Verry Elleegant and I’ve said to the owners all the way through that if he’s half-as good as his three-quarter sister, then I would be happy with that,” Scott said.
Chico Sonado had a number of barrier issues according to Scott which had delayed his debut, but after three jump-outs at Mornington was ready to head to the races.
Scott said it was a surprise to see the gelding leading on Wednesday.
“He’s had a few barrier issues and had to learn a lot,” Scott said.
“To be honest I didn’t want to see him in front today, but he jumped that quickly at the start and Jamie didn’t have any choice.
“He was able to find a nice medium pace and the best part was when they came at him he gave plenty at the end.
“On pedigree a distance, 1600 (metres) and beyond, shouldn’t be a problem. I suppose now we’ll try and give him another run this prep then we’ll put him aside for the spring.
“But he’s come along way mentally as well as physically.”