Million Dollar Colt To Debut At Caulfield

Peter Moody-trained Monkston, who was purchased for $1 million as a yearling, will make his racing debut in the Procal Dairies Handicap (1000m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

International breeding organization Coolmore purchased the Fastnet Rock out of Catreign colt at the Inglis Easter sales and has taken a long term approach with the well-bred two-year-old.

Racing Manager for Peter Moody Jeff O’Connor said that stable aren’t expecting much out of Monkston on debut but are confident that he can be a top level performer as an older horse.

“He has never struck us as a being a two-year-old and we have always given him plenty of time but it is a bonus that he can kick-off in the last month of his two-year-old season,” O’Connor told RSN.

“I think the best is to come next preparation or even the one after that.

“Against a field of experienced horses we will be hoping he can hold a spot third, fourth of fifth and just give him the chance to be competitive in the straight.”

Although the original plan was to run the son of Fastnet Rock during the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival, O’Connor believes that it will come around too soon for Monkston to have a serious campaign.

“He has only really made progress in the last month so I think we will be happy to see a nice run from him tomorrow and maybe put him away from there and give him a bit more time,” O’Connor said.

The Procal Dairies Handicap is expected to be one of the most exciting races at Caulfield tomorrow with classy Mick Kent-trained Miss Steele, Crystal Ruby (a full sister to 2010 Golden Slipper winner Crystal Lily) and the experienced Mount Zero all set to do battle.

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Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.