14 Nov 2023There looks to be plenty of upside about Almanzor’s son First Five who has made the dream start to his career.
The three-year-old had pointed to a strong first-up showing when he won at the trials at Ruakaka and returned there to make a successful debut over 1400 metres.
Trained by David Greene for breeder-owner Gerald Shand, First Five sat in behind the pace and rounded off impressively for a convincing victory under rider Lynsey Satherley.
He is the first winner for the late Volksraad mare Payette, who was a capable performer and was successful on six occasions up to 1300 metres.
Payette is from the family of the stakes winner and G1 Telegraph Handicap runner-up Buster Brookfield and produced an unraced juvenile brother to First Five before her untimely passing.