A Royal Ascot hero in 2018 winning the Group I Diamond Jubilee Stakes, promising young sire Merchant Navy featured on Saturday with a new winner with the Annabel Neasham trained colt Dirty Merchant opening his account at Newcastle.
Third and fourth at his first two starts, Dirty Merchant had race fitness and experience on his side when taking on older rivals in the 1400m maiden and was sent to the post as favourite.
He was strong to the line for Koby Jennings and repelled all challengers to win by the best part of a length.
A $150,000 Inglis Classic purchase for Annabel Neasham Racing / Brian McGuire from the Ascot Park draft, Dirty Merchant is the second winner from Group III winner Onemorezeta, a half-sister by Onemorenomore to Group II winner Cosmic Force.
Merchant Navy also had an impressive first starter during the week at Canterbury with the Chris Waller trained filly Maritima steaming home for third place in a very competitive fillies maiden.
Expect her to join the list of winners for her sire sooner rather than later!
Coolmore based Merchant Navy is a great value punt this year at $27,500.
