Former UK galloper Desert Icon has broken through for his first Australian win in a dashing front running ride at Caulfield.
The Chris Waller-trained French-bred galloper was comprehensive in taking out the Mal Seccull Handicap (1800m) on Saturday.
Ridden by Damien Thornton, Desert Icon, the $2.80 favourite, scored a 2-¾ length win from Guizot ($15) with Criminal Code ($8.50) a neck away third.
Starting his Australian career at Waller’s Melbourne stable at Flemington, Desert Icon had a run in Sydney before returning south to claim Saturday’s victory.
Jo Taylor, in charge of Waller’s Melbourne yard, said the trip to Sydney had worked wonders.
“I would say he has done a good job and the float trips can bring them on a touch,” Taylor said.
“He’s obviously, as everyone has seen from when he arrived in the country to when he raced, it was quite a lengthy time, so it has just taken him a few runs to get up to that fitness that he needs to put in a dominant performance like he did today.
“Based on what we saw today I think we can definitely see him step out over time over further.”
Thornton, who was having his first race ride on the son of Sea The Stars on Saturday, said he had ridden the gelding in trackwork previously and could feel Desert Icon had ability.
“He was really good in Sydney last start ridden on speed and the plan was to be third or fourth with a bit of cover today,” Thornton said.
“But Holbein didn’t jump so I took matters into my own hands and controlled the race myself.
“Class-wise, this was a benchmark 100, basically an open handicap, so he’ll go up in the rating points to Listed and Group 3 company, I would think.
“After that he’ll tell us. He’s probably better than this grade.”