Jockey Dean Yendall assessment of Paul Preusker-trained Steparty about two months ago was realised on Saturday with a dominant Flemington victory.
The Artie Schiller colt, who also won on debut at Ballarat, sprinted clear of rivals to claim the 1200m Two-Year-Old Handicap by 3½ lengths from Dolphin Skin and New Zealand raider Codigo.
“I said to Paul, jokingly, (two months ago) I think this is the best one you have ever had,” Yendall said.
“I haven’t ridden a lot for Paul the last few seasons but early days I did, I’ve watched his horses go through the grades.
“Obviously his Melbourne Cup horse (Surprise Baby) and the sprint horse he had, I Am Someone, but this horse (Steparty) is pretty good.”
He’s a good one! ????
Steparty bolts in at Flemington! ???? pic.twitter.com/u9lX5l8teL
— Racing.com (@Racing) June 3, 2023
Codigo and Perovic led up the field until Steparty chimed in passing the 400m mark and never looked back.
“I know he’s big in structure but he’s got a huge stride on him, he does it so comfortably and so easily,” Yendall said.
“He’s a pleasure to ride, he’s colt but he hasn’t got a harmful bone in him, he’s easy to please and does everything you ask him to do.”
Despite the emphatic result, understated Horsham trainer Preusker kept a lid on expectations.
“We never really intended on him being a two-year-old but he towed me there,” Preusker said.
“I won’t get too mixed up with it at all, he’ll do the talking.
“He’s probably one of the toughest horses I’ve had too, pretty exciting.”
Dean Yendall has a high opinion of Steparty. Picture: Vince Caligiuri-Getty Images
While Yendall suggested Steparty be spelled to return in the spring, Preusker indicated the colt could return to the races more than once before a break.
“No rules to it, I came down here today thinking there’s probably another three runs in him, by the time we get home it might be trimmed up, he’s a tough horse,” Preusker said.