3 minute read

The apple didn’t fall far from the tree when the well-related Gilhoolie arrived.

The youngster is a slick customer and his pace was evident on debut at Ellerslie where he sped to victory in Saturday’s Schweppes Two-Year-Old for trainer and part-owner James Bridge and rider Mark Du Plessis.

By Guillotine, Gilhoolie is a son of Dazzling Walk who was unbeaten in her first five starts as a juvenile including two at black type level.

She is also the dam of the Gr.3 Taranaki 2YO Classic winner Magic Dancer and the well-performed Manten, also a two-year-old winner, runner-up in the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes and a multiple Group One placegetter as an older sprinter.

Sibling Gilhoolie showed the family speed with two trial wins before having no trouble justifying his hot favouritism at the first time of asking.

“He has looked good so far, he’s a pretty precocious animal,” Bridge said.

By banking the thick end of the $20,000 stake, Gilhoolie has also put himself in prime position for entry into the Karaka Million in late January.

“That’s very encouraging to get a win like that.” Bridge said. “He ran out a bit so he’ll take a lot from the run and he’s showed he’s got tactical speed.”

Gilhoolie exploded out of the gates to make the running and, despite racing greenly in the straight, he still had two and a half lengths to spare on Oscar Eight at the post.

“He was impressive today,” Du Plessis said. “He’s exciting, but he needs to learn to go straight.”

Third home after missing the jump was Star Treasure, whose connections also race Xiong Feng, winner of the race 12 months ago and subsequently successful in the Karaka Million.