Promising 3YO Upolu saved his maiden win for a city meeting at Mornington when he weaved his way through the field to land the Vale Tony Simpson Plate (1200m).
The son of Tagaloa was able overcome an awkward position two back on the rails in Monday’s assignment before jockey Teo Nugent eased him out approaching the 400 metres and was then able to dash between runners entering the home straight.
The $2.80 favourite Blue Shield held a two length lead at the 200 metres but soon looked vulnerable with Upolu ($10) in hot pursuit and claiming the lead in the closing stages to score by nearly a length.
Brian McKiterick of Brimac Racing bought Upolu for just $10,000 at the 2024 Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale, and with Emsley Lodge, syndicated the gelding.
Upolu showed early promise when beaten in a photo finish on debut at Colac last December and was again on the losing end of a photo when second at Terang at his next start.
Heavier and stronger this campaign, he has now had seven starts for a win and three placings.
Trainer Jamie Edwards said maturity had been a key to Upolu’s improvement.
“He was a really skinny, narrow, weak sort of horse, but this preparation is more mature and putting on weight,” Jamie said.
He said he was unsure how Upolu would measure up in a strong city class maiden and that it was bonus that he won and was so impressive on heavy ground.
“We thought we’d give him a crack here (Mornington) and find out where he sits as far as ability goes,” Jamie said.
“We put the blinkers on him two starts ago and it’s really worked with him.
“We raced him on a bottomless, heavy track at Hamilton where he finished third the other day, and he bounced through the race like he hadn’t even had a run,” Jamie said.
“Today he drew a good gate and got a good ride and now we can look at a couple of better class races worth a bit of money later this month.
Teo Nugent said Upolu needed some luck in the run and the splits came at the right time.
“I was really surprised to see how good he was late, and he seems to improve with every race.