The most experienced runner in the race, the $1,000,000 Not A Single Doubt colt Northern Beaches broke his maiden at start five with a commanding performance over 1200m at Canterbury on Wednesday.
Ridden by James McDonald for Chris Waller, Northern Beaches enjoyed the run of the race behind the leader Sports Legend.
When a narrow seam opened up in the straight, Northern Beaches burst through to put the race to bed in a few strides.
The Coolmore Stud colourbearer put two and a quarter lengths on his stablemate Sha Of Gomer (Shalaa), with the heavily backed favourite Scientist (Zoustar) a length and a quarter back in third.
"He has always shown us plenty of ability, and we were probably forced to run him early because he was showing us so much at home," stable representative Charlie Duckworth said.
"Ultimately, he wasn't physically mature enough. Now he has matured, he will be a lovely 3yo for us. He is a cracking colt.
"He did it well and just needed a bit of luck at the turn, and he got that.
"It was more about getting the win on board today and into the feature races coming in to the Spring Carnival.
"The monkey is off his back, and hopefully, he can go on with it now."
Bred by Woodpark Stud, Northern Beaches was a $1,000,000 purchase for Tom Magnier out of the Lime Country Thoroughbreds draft at the 2021 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
A half-brother to Group II ATC Todman Stakes winner, Woodpark Stud stallion Aylmerton (Siyouni), and the Group II-placed winner Arnaqueur (Astern), Northern Beaches is the fourth winner from as many to race for the Smart Strike mare Aloona (UA).
Aloona (USA) is a half-sister to Group III winner Galatee (Galileo), who was purchased by John Ferguson on behalf of Darley for 1.4 million guineas at the 2007 Tattersalls Mare sale.
Galatee is the dam of The Queen's Group II Hardwicke Stakes winner Dartmouth, the Group II Grand Prix de Chantilly winner Manatee, and Listed winner Gaterie (Dubai Destination).
Aloona has a 2yo filly by Snitzel and was covered by Exceed And Excel last spring.
