Promising two year-old Pariah colt Latvian raced to a commanding win at Moonee Valley on Friday night for the James Harron Bloodstock Colts Partnership.
Trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, Latvian finished sixth in the Listed VRC Talindert Stakes on February 19, but took good improvement from the run and was sent to the post as for this easier assignment.
Fitted with blinkers, Latvian was always in control from barrier one under Mark Zahra and was eased down on the line to win the 1200m scamper by two and a quarter lengths over Snitzel filly Zennzella.
“This horse in particular is a beautiful type and he’s going to improve into his three year-old season, I have no doubt about that,” said Sam Freedman, who is optimistic about the prospects of Latvian going forward.
“We’ll have a chat to James Harron and his team, but we might actually give him a short break and look to head up to Queensland as he gives us the impression he might appreciate getting over a little bit further.”
A $375,000 Inglis Easter purchase from the Newgate Farm draft for James Harron Bloodstock, Latvian was bred by Love Racing and is a three-quarter brother to stakes-winner Nomothaj being the fourth winner from Group III VRC Maribyrnong Plate winner Real Stolle.
Latvian was the most expensive yearling from the first crop of Arrowfield Stud based Pariah.
Also breaking his maiden in fine style at Newcastle was three year-old Lonhro colt Loch Eagle, a $230,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Newgate draft for Bruce Perry Bloodstock.
A three-quarter brother-in-blood to champion racehorse and sire Pierro, the Kris Lees trained Loch Eagle bolted in by more than four lengths at his fourth start and looks to have better wins in store.
Bred by Nick Vass, Loch Eagle is the second winner from Song Street (IRE), who was covered by Tassort last spring.