Perfect start to Aussie campaign

CONNECTIONS of classy New Zealand squaregaiter Majestic Man are glad he made the trip to Australia.

With trainer Phil Williamson less than enthusiastic about travelling across the Tasman given the current conditions, the leading horseman’s son, Brad, elected to make the trek with the gelding.

Making his Aussie debut at Tabcorp Park Melton tonight, Majestic Man blitzed his rivals to register a long overdue Group One success.

Majestic Man has contested 14 top shelf events on his homeland for four seconds, four thirds and three fourths.

The son of Majestic Son has secured two Group Twos and five Group Threes.

“Dad wasn’t keen to travel across because of the whole Covid situation, but we felt the races over the next month to six weeks were too good to miss,” Brad said.

“He can go in races worth up to half a million during that time here in Victoria and New South Wales.”

Majestic Man’s first crack at the riches on offer came in the V L Dullard Cup with Brad in the cart.

Showing his customary gate speed to lead from barrier five, the six-year-old was allowed to stride along at a steady tempo.

Breaking clear of the pack along the back straight, Majestic Man was untouched on his way to a 10-and-a-half metre win from Sundons Courage, with Majestuoso 32 metres away third.

Rating 1:55.4 over 2240 metres, Majestic Man slashed six-tenths of a second from Keystone Del’s track record set on February 6, 2016.

“He’s settled in well since getting here and I knew he was ready to run a good race,” Brad said. “He felt strong in the warm up and just did it well within himself.

“That run will have him in top shape for the Great Southern Star next week.”