Arnaqueur showed his class at his first appearance as a three-year-old at Kembla Grange on Sunday, kicking off the new season in style for Woodpark Stud.
Arnaqueur, ridden by Jean Van Overmeire, used the whole straight to reign in the leader after settling last throughout running in the 1400m event.
There was a quiet confidence from the Woodpark camp before the race but fitness on the return from a spell was the question.
“First up after a long break you never know if they are fit enough or not, we will know more in five minutes,” trainer Jean Dubois said before the race.
Arnaqueur was sent to the paddock after running in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Randwick, which was the third run of his first prep.
He won on debut at Kembla Grange before running fourth in the Listed Fernhill (1600m).
“It is always pleasing to see them come back and win early in the preparation, especially the way he has been trialling,” Dubois said.
“We have some big races in the back of our mind for him come the Spring so we can stay focused on them for the moment, more so if he keeps winning.
“He is still learning and has built up some strength already this prep. We certainly have plenty of horse there to work with.”
Arnaqueur was bred and retained by Woodpark. He is by Astern and is out of the Smart Strike mare Aloona. That makes him a half-brother to Group 2-winning Juvenile Aylmerton, who’s currently serving mares at Woodpark Stud.
Aloona is also the dam of the $1 million Not A Single Doubt colt purchased by Coolmore at this year’s Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.
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