Racing: Sepoy marches past rivals

MELBOURNE - Sepoy surprised punters but not the Peter Snowden stable when he impressively won the colts and geldings Blue Diamond Preview at Caulfield yesterday.

The Peter Moody-trained colt Golden Archer, previously unbeaten in two starts at Flemington and Caulfield, was the A$1.70 favourite.

However the Sheikh Mohammed-owned colt Sepoy (A$8), ridden by Mark Zahra, was far too good, trailing the leader Bossdon City (A$5.50) before racing clear for a 3-length win over Grand Britannia (A$18) with Golden Archer a half-length back third.

"He's a quality horse, he's always showed us nice ability," Snowden said.

"The only downer he's had on him is the quality of the opposition he beat at his first start."

The Elusive Quality colt beat Delago's Lad in the Maribyrnong Trial Stakes (1000m) at Flemington at his debut on October 3 before being sent to the paddock.

However, Moody bounced back in the fillies preview when One Last Dance won from a wide barrier.

The daughter of Encosta De Lago remained unbeaten after scoring by 4 lengths on debut at Moonee Valley over 955m on December 17.

"She's still learning to be a racehorse and will go on to the Prelude on her way to the Blue Diamond," Moody said.

Ridden by top jockey Luke Nolen, One Last Dance (A$2.40 fav) edged out the Tim Martin-trained Anevay (A$6) by a nose with the Snowden-trained Graskop (A$6.50) third.

Nolen described the win as "soft", despite the narrow margin.

- AAP