Not surprisingly most watching the hotly contested maiden at Sandown on Wednesday had their eyes on New Horizon, the first son of the mighty Frankel to race in Melbourne.
But as the odds-on favourite hit the lead a horse who had snuck under the radar was making his run, the promising Deadly Choices letting go of an impressive sprint over the final stages.
Racing clear to win by 3/4 length with plenty in hand, the Trevor Andrews trained three-year-old did a great job at just his third outing and his second back from a spell.
"He is a horse who has got plenty of ability," said jockey Arron Lynch, adding that the bay had run "a top race last start."
"It was a solid win today," he continued, "and I was always confident that we had it in the bag. I think he is ready to go with it now."
Deadly Choices is by Danzig
stallion Golden Snake who has been quietly doing the job without ever having
served large books.
Despite his limited opportunities the high class Golden Snake - winner of four Group One races achieving the same 127 Timeform rating as Fiorente - has sired such quality performers as Gilded Venom (Group One Railway Stakes winner who sadly died before peaking), the dual Warrnambool Cup winner Hissing Sid, the two times Listed winner Vipera Gold, the Singapore stakes winner Super Gold and Group One Italian filly Quiza Quiza Quiza.
Durable gallopers Unique Mistique and Prattler, who both recently recorded their ninth career victories, have also been in good form for Golden Snake as have Bronzed Venom (dominant winner of three in a row), Golden Kiss (in the first three at each of her last six starts), Cobra Kai (twice successful this preparation), Keep Me Posted, Midas Man, Miss Hissy, Slithering Suzie, Star Patriot and Snake Farley.
Meanwhile Golden Snake's daughters are starting to make a name for themselves as broodmares and the Eagle Farm stable of Lynn Tipper was represented by a home-bred double at the Sunshine Coast a couple of weeks ago; Red Right Out racing away to a 2 1/4 length maiden victory whilst Hidden Gold won her third race by the same big margin.
"There has been a greater appreciation for stallions capable of siring good middle distance and staying type horses," Nairn said, "and Golden Snake fits the bill."
"He is a multiple Group One winner who has proven to be a terrific stallion for owner/breeders and with so many VOBIS bonuses now on offer for older horses he is a great option for mare owners looking to breed tough, reliable gallopers."
Golden Snake stands at Ridgeview Park at Muskerry East home. For further information contact Julie Nairn on 0402 901 910 or Ridgeview's Phil Sloane (0488 525 063).
Or visit him online at: http://lpstallions.com.au, www.ridgeviewpark.com.au or www.facebook.com/ThesnakeGoldensnake
