Scoring Up

First-starter One Aussie made an immediate impression at Globe Derby Park, producing a barnstorming finish to claim the Hygain Sapling Stakes for two-year-olds.

The Tiger Tara gelding had attracted support in the betting despite making his race debut, but his chances appeared to take an early hit when he broke in the score-up.

Driver Corey Johnson quickly had the youngster back into his gait before securing a favourable one-out, two-back trail.

Former New South Wales pacer Kojax moved up to challenge leader Cecil Star approaching the home turn, while South Aussie Star was poised to make his run.

South Aussie Star swept into contention and briefly looked set to claim the feature, but One Aussie had other ideas. Johnson brought the debutant to the outside and he unleashed a powerful finishing burst to grab victory right on the line, with Kojax holding on for third.

One Aussie rated 1:58.7 for trainer Shaun Adams, with the performance suggesting the youngster has a promising future.

The victory was particularly rewarding for breeder-owner Mario Musolino, who collected the Sapling Stakes winner’s cheque along with a $5,000 Southern Cross bonus and the $5,000 South Australian Harness Racing Club bonus for a horse recording its first two-year-old victory at Globe Derby Park.

One Aussie is out of the Art Major mare Bubbas Princess, a three-time winner who has already produced Major Jolt, a winner of four races, and Laylas Princess, winner of the Group 3 Southern Cross as a two-year-old. Musolino also bred Laylas Princess & Major Jolt.

The pedigree contains plenty of quality, with One Aussie tracing to the family of Group 1 Victorian Sires Stakes winner Maggies Son and The Quiet Village, a Listed winner in Victoria who was later exported to North America.

For Musolino and trainer Shaun Adams, One Aussie’s debut could hardly have been more encouraging — overcoming an early mistake before displaying the speed and determination to win a feature race at his very first start.