Cambridge-based horseman Nick Kneebone tasted his first success in the training ranks when two-year-old gelding Speed Demon caused a minor upset in the Hallmark Stud 2YO (1100m) at Pukekohe.
Most attention before the start was centred around the Stephen Marsh runners Rupeni ($4.00) and well-backed debutant Perfect Pour ($2.40), who headed the market after some impressive raceday and trial form respectively.
In contrast, Speed Demon, a son of The Everest (1200m) winner Yes Yes Yes, was allowed to drift out to $21 despite having finished off nicely for fourth on debut at Ellerslie behind stylish winner Harvey Wallbanger.
Rider Triston Moodley allowed Speed Demon to find his feet early, settling third last in the seven-horse field as the Marsh pair set up proceedings from the front.
Speed Demon tracked Justin Case into the race on the home bend and once balanced up by Moodley, he burst past that runner and drew clear to win nicely by just over a length from Justin Case, who battled on strongly and the late closer Miss Perna.
Kneebone was all smiles as he savoured his first winner after just a handful or runners.
“That was really good and I’m just stoked he won like that,” Kneebone said.
“It all went to plan as I said to him (Moodley) if they go hard early, which they did, just slot in and it worked out perfectly.
“He finished really nicely last time and I thought this long straight would suit him, and clearly it did.”
Speed Demon is likely to be seen in stakes company at his next outing.
“My first thought is that he will come back here in two weeks for the Counties Challenge Stakes (Listed, 1100m),” Kneebone said.
“He just improved so much off that first-up run and he has put away quite a good field today.”
Kneebone, who saddled his first runner as a trainer at Tauranga back in June, is the son of long-time auctioneer and New Zealand Bloodstock’s Director of Business Development Mike Kneebone.
The 27-year-old spent a large part of his early 20s gaining international experience to set him up for his move into the training ranks, including taking a senior role with John Sargent in Sydney before returning home.
Kneebone trains from the Cambridge stable that was formerly owned by the now Cranbourne-based Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young. The talented horseman has also prepared horses for next week’s Ready To Run Sale, in addition to sending out impressive trial winner Law By Law.
Despite being a Karaka graduate, Speed Demon is not paid up for the Karaka Millions, but Kneebone said there are plenty of options for the youngster.
“I think he will get out to a mile as a three-year-old and has good scope to train-on,” he said.
“We picked him up quite cheaply from Book 2 at Karaka and he was one we just didn’t want to leave without as we really liked him.
Bred by Helen-Gaye and Graham Bax, Speed Demon is out of the Proisir mare Devotioninmotion and from an extended family that includes Hong Kong Group Two winner Amazing Star and seven-time Grade One USA winner Snow Chief who was rated the Champion 3YO Colt in the USA in 1986. - LOVERACING.NZ NZ News Desk
