Matt Laurie-trained Coleman too strong in Debutant Stakes at Caulfield
The Matt Laurie-trained Coleman delivered on the promise shown in his jumpouts when too strong in the Debutant Stakes at Caulfield.
Horse Racing
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The lessons learned were just as valuable as the win for promising colt Coleman in Wednesday’s Listed Debutant Stakes (1000m).
Coleman was one of eight first-starters to tackle the $175,000 contest after the fancied First Settler was withdrawn at the barriers but the Matt Laurie-trained youngster carried the punters’ hopes after two impressive jumpouts.
Coleman was beaten for speed a touch early before racing keenly behind the leaders for the first half of the race.
Jockey Ben Melham used the Caufield home turn to ease Coleman into the clear and the youngster knuckled down well in the last 200m to beat the Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained Arabian Summer ($11).
“There were a lot of expectations today, not just from the market but our stable, and I’m glad it’s come off,” Laurie said.
“He was green as you’d expect but he delivered when placed under pressure by Ben.
“He’s only going to get better.”
The hype is real 🔥
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 18, 2023
Coleman charges home to a classy victory in the Debutant Stakes 👌@mattlaurierace@BMelhampic.twitter.com/PMkrWpBW8H
Laurie said the slow early speed did not help Coleman but the son of All Aged Stakes winner Pierata would benefit from the experience.
“I was hoping they would go a bit quicker because it would help him,” Laurie said.
“But I think it will be good for him long term.
“We don’t want him to be just a jump and run (horse), it’s very hard for those horses to continue on through their grades.
“We want to teach him to settle and round it off. It worked out that way.”
Coleman was a $550,000 purchase at the Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale but Laurie wasn’t sure whether he would aim the debut winner at January’s rich Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
Laurie said he leaned towards running Coleman in the Blue Diamond Series before a possible tilt at the Golden Slipper but he would consult the owners before confirming his plans.
Originally published as Matt Laurie-trained Coleman too strong in Debutant Stakes at Caulfield
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