It was one of the more memorable Victorian racetrack debuts in recent times and it has Burrumbeet trainer Mick Stanley dreaming big with exciting two-year-old Soho Lanikai.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
While the horse's 65m victory in the Allied Express Premiere Stakes at Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday night was visually stunning, the clock backed up the horse's dominance.
The son of Somebeachsomewhere, owned by strong stable supporter Rob Watson, rated a slick 1.54.0 mile rate in defeating the previously unbeaten Ultimate Exclusive and Im Lady Madeleine over the 1720m trip.
"We expected him to win, but at the trials he was very green and had a good look around and was sort of a bit dorky," Stanley, who gave the drive to Ryan Duffy due to commitments at Globe Derby, said.
"Our only concern going into the race was if he raced a bit green and had a good look around like he did at the trials, but he didn't do any of that and what he did at the trials, he benefited a lot from.
"That was great to see that improvement in him mentally so he was able to switch-on on race day."
Stanley said the heats of the Bathurst Gold Crown would likely be the next assignment for the horse on March 20, with a hopeful run in the Group 1 final a week later.
Soho Lanikai was purchased at the Melbourne Australian Pacing Gold sales and is also eligible for that upcoming series.
