SOVEREIGN KICKS OFF NEW SEASON IN STYLE

Star jockey Damien Oliver lead them a merry dance on Sovereign Award out in front at Moonee Valley to open his and trainer Danny O'Brien's accounts on the first day of the  new season.

Oliver rated the daughter of Shamus Award  a treat out in front and she kicked strongly to hold a length win in the Remembering Roger Booth and Donna Philpot Handicap (1600m).

They were giving eventual runner-up West Wind ($4.40) 4kg after Teo Nugent's claim, but the Maher/Eustace galloper could only close to that a length on the line as Sovereign Award made it two-from-two this prep.

"She has come back this campaign in terrific order with back-to-back to wins and I think she has the maturity to go right on with it," Oliver said.

Pic by Racing Photos