Powerful two-year old Red Square living up to price tag in impressive debut win for Craig Staples

Powerful two-year-old Red Square looked worth his $170,000 price tag when he made a race winning debut at Wednesday’s Belmont Park meeting and trainer Paul Jordan is bubbling with enthusiasm on the colt’s future.

The youngster coasted for jockey Craig Staples and fought off challenges by talented Amelia Park Plate (1000n) rivals, confirming ability displayed when he was unbeaten in three barrier trials.

“Red Square will grow into a beautiful three-year-old,” Jordan said. “He can improve considerably on today’s performance. I was a bit soft on him in training ahead of his first-up race.”

Jordan, a winner of two WATC Derbies (with The Bukhra and Hot Jules) and two WA Guineas (Devilish Dealer and El Cordero), will also aim Red Square at the classics.

“I thought Red Square was the outstanding yearling at a Perth Magic Millions sale.” Jordan said. “I didn’t hesitate to pay $170,000 for him on behalf of a syndicate.”

Staples backed up Jordan’s high opinion of the Russian Revolution colt.

“He was exciting today, after always exhibiting potential in education,” the WA Jockeys’ Association president said. “Showing early speed in the race, he gave me a perfect ride.”

Meanwhile, champion Perth-born jockey Damien Oliver’s recommendation paid off when San Fabrizio won a 1400m handicap at his WA debut on Wednesday.

Oliver contacted Port Kennedy trainer Stephen Miller after riding San Fabrizio when he ran sixth over 1600m at Moonee Valley.

“It was a good win today and Damien got it right,” Miller said.

“Damien and I go back a long way. He told me San Fabrizio would be suited in WA, particularly between 1400m and 1600m.

“I put together a syndicate to purchase the horse, taking a share myself and getting my accountant to buy into the partnership.”

San Fabrizio, who cost the syndicate $42,500, is by Siyouni, also the sire of top filly Amelia’s Jewel.

Star WA jockey William Pike is keen to retain an association with Antique Miss, his winner in Wednesday’s 1650m handicap.

“The filly is only lightly-raced and will be much better with more experience,” Pike said.

“She took her foot off the accelerator and looked around when in front near home.”

Owners Bob and Sandra Peters expect the Michael Grantham-trained Antique Miss will be a stayer.

“Her dam Antique Belle is a sister-in-blood to Derby winner Arcadia Dream,” Bob Peters said.

“Antique Miss should be suited by more distance.”

Pike was later a target in good-natured banter by rival jockey Clint Johnston-Porter, who won Wednesday’s Perth Racing Maiden (1400m) on Heavenly Lady after securing a late clear run.

“I was outridden by Pikey in early stages,” Johnston-Porter said. “He had me locked on the fence and I had to wait for an opening. Heavenly Lady got up to win in nice style.”

Johnston-Porter and Pike will be to the fore when riding fancies Vast Art and Upper Limits, respectively, in Saturday’s $125,000 Belmont Guineas (1600m) at Belmont.

Ladbrokes quoted Vast Art and Rusty Dreams as $3.60 equal favourites for the Guineas after final acceptances on Wednesday.

Next in betting were Upper Limits ($4.20) and Demolish ($8).

Vast Art won last Saturday week’s $125,000 Raconteur Stakes (1400m) from Rusty Dreams and Upper Limits ran third.

ERNIE’S EARNERS

NORTHAM: He’sgotwings (R8, No.4)

MOE: Highland Hill (R6, No.1)

WYONG: Counter Move (R3, No.4)

TOWNSVILLE: Bay Of Bengal (R7, No.1)

NORTHAM SPECIALS

GOLD KEEPER (R3, NO.1): Looks primed to open his winning account after an eye-catching first-up second over 1200m at Pinjarra on June 8. The David Harrison-trained three-year-old has run four Belmont Park minor placings.

RYEWOOD (R7, NO.7): An impressive Northam 1600m winner at her past two starts and appears to have a bright future for trainer Adam Durrant. The filly has improved sharply since her third at Geraldton two months ago.

HE’SGOTWINGS ((R8, NO.7): Gets his chance to earn a city racing return by scoring his second straight win. The Summer Dickson-trained gelding scored a stylish Northam win on May 25. He has run