Another strong Godolphin aspirant for Australia's rich autumn two-year-old races emerged when Souchez overpowered his opposition on his racing debut in the 1100m Schweppes Plate at Rosehill on Saturday, December 19.
Another strong Godolphin aspirant for Australia's rich autumn two-year-old races emerged when Souchez overpowered his opposition on his racing debut in the 1100m Schweppes Plate at Rosehill on Saturday, December 19.
Souchez (John O'Shea/Sam Clipperton) had shown plenty of promise in private and lived up to it with his convincing win.
"He's never been off the bit before today," said trainer John O'Shea.
"He worked out what he had to do when he was asked, and that is a very good sign."
Souchez, who O'Shea recently named among the better juveniles in his stable, settled off the pace and had to wait for a run to present itself at the 250m.
Given galloping room, he put his head down and reeled in the leaders, gaining an advantage 50m out and going on to win by a half-length.
O'Shea said he would now give Souchez a rest before considering a campaign aimed at the $3 million, G1 Golden Slipper Stakes run at Rosehill on March 19.
"I might give him one run in the Slipper lead-ups to see if he's adequate," O'Shea said.
"Whatever way we go, I think he'll be a much nicer horse in the spring as a three-year-old."
Souchez's win followed the impressive performance two weeks ago of stablemate Astern who became one of the leading Golden Slipper candidates with his debut win earlier this month and that of the Godolphin filly Calliope earlier in the season.
It was also followed by the success of Fitou (John O'Shea/Sam Clipperton) who completed a winning double for the stable at Rosehill in the Cellarbrations Handicap (1350m).
