Lonhro three-year-old colt Demerit looks likely to join stablemate Denman in next month's G1 Caulfield Guineas after he posted a strong win on Saturday at Caulfield, taking out the G3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m).
Stakes-placed on debut in May this year, the Peter Snowden-trained colt resumed from a spell recently with a facile four-length victory to break his maiden. Ridden by Mark Zahra in the colours of Sheikh Mohammed, Demerit settled midfield and although luck deserted him throughout, he was still too strong for the quality field.
"There was no fluke in what he has done today, he had no luck and still was too good," Paul Snowden said after the event.
Bred by Woodlands Stud, Demerit is a three-quarter brother to the G1-placed Evander (Octagonal) and is one of three winners for the dual G1-winning Scenic mare Shame, herself a winner of six races and earnings just shy of $900,000. Covered by Exceed And Excel last season, Shame is set to foal down any time now.
Lonhro's progeny had a stellar day with not only Demerit's victory, but Stakes placings for Heraklion, who took third in the G3 Gloaming Stakes (1800m), and Deer Valley, who finished third in the G2 Tea Rose Stakes (1500m).
Northwood Park-based Reset was represented by another Stakes performer today, when three-year-old filly Set For Fame finished second in the G3 Thousand Guineas Prelude, while Cape Cross filly Mont Fleuri gave her Oaks chances a boost working home extremely well for third.
Classy Street Cry four-year-olds Whobegotyou and Predatory Pricer continued their excellent form of late, taking second and third respectively in the G1 Underwood Stakes over 1800m at Caulfield. Both are now leading contenders for the major spring races such as the Caulfield Cup and the Cox Plate.
In New Zealand, Quest For Fame stalwart Sarrera gave a hint of a successful campaign when coming from well back in the field for a narrow second in the G1Windsor Park Plate.
Later in the day Strategic gelding Strat's Flyer finished third in the G2 Shannon Handicap behind Sheikh Mohammed's colt Drumbeats.
