A well-credentialled field of two-year-olds lined up for the Schweppes Hcp (1100m) on the Kensington track on Saturday and the Snitzel debutant Four Moves Ahead treated them with utter contempt.
Ridden by Tommy Berry for John Sargent, Four Moves Ahead was trapped three-wide the trip from an outside barrier. She travelled sweetly, and when Berry asked for the supreme effort, there was plenty left in the tank.
Like most Snitzel's, Four Moves Ahead revelled in the heavy conditions. The further they went, the further she drew away.
The Flying Artie filly Ruby Kisses was two and three-quarter lengths back in second with Maurice filly Morioka a further half-length back in third.
"She's been a lovely filly from day one. It was good to get one away, and it shows she has potential," Sargent said.
"I was hoping to get some cover, but it didn't work out. She got a clear run and has a good turn of foot. Her best attribute is her attitude. She is a very laid-back filly, just eats and sleeps, probably the perfect racehorse.
"I know it was wet today and the breed likes it as does her half-sister, but on top of the ground she won't mind that either."
"I hold her in high regard. I've had a couple of champion two-year-olds in New Zealand. It's obviously up in class here to train a two-year-old. But she is going in the right way.”
Sargent said the Group III Widden Stakes at Rosehill on January 30 was the immediate target for the flashy daughter of Snitzel,
Four Moves Ahead races in the colours of her breeder Jonathon Munz after she failed to make her $300,000 reserve when offered by Bhima Thoroughbreds at the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
A half-sister to last years Listed ATC Angst Quality Handicap winner Emeralds (Sebring), Four Moves Ahead is the second foal of the unraced Mr Greeley mare Doulmera (USA).
A half-sister to the Group 1 Longchamp Prix de l'Opera heroine Dalkala (Giant's Causeway), Doulmera (USA) is a daughter of Daltaiyma (Doyoun) a sister to Daylami the Horse of the Year in Europe in 1999 and a half-sister to European Horse Of The Year Daylami and to Brighthill Farm stallion Dalghar (FR).
Doulmera (USA) has a yearling colt by Pierro and was covered by Snitzel in 2020 after slipping in 2019.
