Unbeaten colt First Settler to set course on spring sprint path following Flemington win

First Settler will head for a spell after staying unbeaten at Flemington on Saturday before he tackles the three-year-old sprint features in the spring.

First Settler (outside) defeats Landmark at Flemington on Saturday in a repeat of their first encounter. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

The winning margin was of no concern to co-trainer Mick Price as First Settler remained unbeaten at Flemington.

First Settler won on debut at Caulfield last month but exposure to the Flemington straight ahead of the colt’s spring assignments meant as much as the win on Saturday.

First Settler faced a stiff breeze under jockey Michael Dee for most of the Russell Dawson Plate (1000m) before holding on to beat Landmark, repeating the result of the pair’s last meeting.

Landmark was a touch unlucky after jockey Blake Shinn was forced to change course on the youngster to secure clear running at the 150m.

First Settler stays undefeated to start its career! ⭐

Michael Dee for @MickPriceRacingpic.twitter.com/mlI2Hr1TY0

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) July 20, 2024

Price, who trains First Settler in partnership with Michael Kent Jr, said the race was a key part of the son of Written Tycoon’s spring aspirations.

“He’ll definitely go out and be lined up for the nice three-year-old races, which is probably the Poseidon, the Danehill and the Coolmore (Stud Stakes in the spring),” Price said.

“I think the 1200m will be better for him too.

“He’s a big strong, powerful horse and he’s got a good set of lungs on him and the 1200m will be perfect.”

Price said racing on the speed in the tough conditions added merit to First Settler’s effort.

“I thought it was a tough win,” Price said.

“He was there to be beaten because there were horses sitting off him.

“I didn’t want to complicate it before the race. I said, ‘ride him like the best horse and if he gets beat, he gets beat’.”

Originally published as Unbeaten colt First Settler to set course on spring sprint path following Flemington win