Impressive city debut by Kiwi filly

Spending showed she was a horse with a bright future ahead of her after taking out the $80,000 Nouvelle Star Handicap (1000m) on debut at Flemington today.

Despite conceding all 13 of her rival’s race experience, Spending ($8) had too much class coming from near last to score by a long neck over Agulhas ($26) with favourite Octavia ($2.50F) just under a length further back in third.

Speaking after the victory, Danny O’Brien Racing assistant trainer Paul Heazlett said the debut win didn’t really come as a surprise to the stable.

“Not really, Dan’s been pretty happy with her and she’s been doing everything she needed to in her work to go to the races,” Heazlett said.

“She’s a well-bred filly so we’ll just let her get over today and then Dan (O’Brien) will decide which path she takes.

“I think she’ll certainly get over a bit more distance than this as she gets a little bit older.”

The win was also especially sweet for Spending’s jockey James Winks who last tasted Melbourne Saturday success at this meeting a year ago.

“Full credit to the stable that’s not an easy thing to do having your first start down the straight,” Winks said.

“She came off the bridle a long way from home and I think there’s a good future ahead for her.

“I’ve been back just over two weeks now and it’s all about getting some support now and then doing the right thing.”

Story by Ben Asgari, to view Racing Victoria website click here

Photo by Slickpix, to view Slickpix website click here