A rare Godolphin homebred by Snitzel, strapping chestnut Amur made a winning career debut in the Ladbrokes Mates Mode Hcp (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
Ridden by Damien Oliver for James Cummings, Amur camped on the speed set by Hellara. Oliver set the son of Snitzel alight at the 400m, and he was strong to the line to defeat another debutante in the Shalaa (IRE) filly Chill The Krug, who came from last to go down by a half-length.
The favourite Cantolago (Per Incanto) was the same distance back in third.
“He is a big, strong, playful colt who still has a bit of improvement in him,” Oliver said.
“He found a nice position and gave me a good ride. He is just a bit big and raw going to the start.
“I felt I would be fighting out the finish, but I wasn’t sure I would win.”
Amur is the first foal of the Animal Kingdom mare Leopard, the black sheep in a revered Godolphin family.
Leopard is the lone non-winner from the first eight foals of the blue hen Essaouira (Exceed And Excel).
With siblings like Astern, Alizee, and Tassort, Leopard finished an inglorious last at Kembla Grange and was quickly whisked off to stud.
Leopard has a yearling filly by Brazen Beau and foaled a filly by Dubawi’s champion son, Too Darn Hot (GB), on September 20.
Amur is the fourth 2yo winner for Snitzel this season in Australia (he also has two in New Zealand).
The Arrowfield Stud champion joins I Am Invincible and Better Than Ready on that mark, with Spirit Of Boom setting the pace with five.
