Prepared by David Hayes and Tom Dabernig, Fastnet Rock colt Eastern Cape was sent out favourite for the 1300 metre maiden and despite giving punters some anxious moments, was able to get the job done at his fourth start.
Second in two of his three previous runs and fifth to subsequent Group I winner Go Indy Go in the Group III SAJC Sires Produce Stakes, Eastern Cape was well ridden by Michael Walker who coaxed the colt to a long neck win.
"He's been a bit colty, so we've tinkered with his gear a bit (he wore visors), but the more racing he does the better he will be," said stable representative Bruno Rouge-Serret.
"That's what we were hoping for today and now we can go on to better things."
Eastern Cape runs for a Coolmore syndicate that also includes his breeder John
Camilleri of Fairway Thoroughbreds and Sir Peter Vela.Bred in Australia and sent to New Zealand to be sold in the Curraghmore Stud draft, Eastern Cape is a half-brother to Group I winner Gathering and Group III winner Florentina being the fourth winner from blue-blooded Peintre Celebre (USA) mare Celebria.
A half-sister to Group III winner Murjana, Celebria is a grand-daughter of legendary producer Dancing Show (USA), whose descendants include Group I winning sires Redoute's Choice, Umatilla, Hurricane Sky, Manhattan Rain and Al Maher.
Given his pedigree, connections will be very reluctant to geld Eastern Cape, so they will be hoping for an improvement in his attitude as he matures.
Fairway Thoroughbreds have retained the two year old full sister to Eastern Cape called Via Napoli and Celebria is due to foal again to Fastnet Rock this spring.
