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Strong N Fast lived up to his new name to take out the $20,000 Debt Collector 2016 Stakes Open Maiden race over 1200m on Polytrack on Sunday.
Originally known as BM Pins, the Burgundy four-year-old was renamed by his owners in that same indomitable spirit as their other charges like Strong N Powerful, Surpass Natural and Exceed Natural.
Again, they were certainly hoping such a bold moniker would translate into reality on the tracks. It sure did, even if they had to cool their jets before they could see the results.
Fast he was indeed at barrier rise when he was one of the smartest away, holding the rails for most of the way, keeping short-priced favourite Maceo (Matthew Kellady) out on a limb.
Into the straight, the Strong part kicked in. Under jockey John Sundradas' urgings, Strong N Fast ($48) powered away to detach himself from his challenger Maceo and stroll in by just under three lengths.
Phaxe (Krisna Thangamani) came from a midfield spot to run third another three parts of a length away. The winning time was 1min 12.35secs for the 1200m on the Polytrack.
Winning trainer Leticia Dragon was delighted with the first-up win from a horse who had been at her stables for a long time.
"I have to thank the owner (Powerful Stable) for being so patient. This horse has been with us for more than a year," said Dragon.
"He was bought as a yearling and we left him in New Zealand for a year. He was very immature when he came to us, and that's why we gave him more time to come through.
"He was reaching the galloping stage when COVID-19 hit us. He was also very unsettled at the barriers, and that's why I was apprehensive about his first race.
"But he was settled today. Good job to the handlers, they've done very well with him, and well done to John, too, he rode him very well.
"To be honest, his trials did not really give me a lot of confidence until the last one 10 days ago. He showed ability in that one, and he won it.
"I don't have anything planned for him, just take him through the grades and see how he goes."
