Weeraechoux: A raw talent with ability says Kersley

Weeraechoux gave Brian Kersley plenty to cheer about following his Ascot triumph on Wednesday and the trainer believes his talented three-year-old can now go on with it.

Racing first up after three competitive races at Belmont during the winter, Weeraechoux came with a barnstorming finish to win the Maca Maiden (1200m) by 1 ¼ lengths.

Ridden by Lucy Fiore, the son Jimmy Choux ran on from ninth at the corner to defeat Identifier with Bill Selects another length away to fill the minor end of the placings.

Delighted he was able to get on the board first up for the preparation and at his fourth lifetime start, Brian Kersley believes Weeraechoux has more to offer than a maiden victory.

“Physically he has grown into a lovely horse,” Kersley said.

“Mentally he’s a baby child, seriously, he doesn’t know what he’s doing.

“He won that on natural ability and nothing else.

“It was a great ride by Lucy, she’s a gun.

“He settled really good in the run; Lucy gave him a great trip and the horse did the rest.”

Staring second favourite ($3.60), Weeraechoux was among 70 nominations for the Group 2 Sky Racing WA Guineas (1600m) that were released on Monday.

Kersley said he was uncertain on which path Weeraechoux will take to get the to $500,000 feature for three-year-olds on November 11.

“The Fairetha was on the programme initially, but it was all relevant to what he did today,” Kersley said.

“We’ll have to sit down and see how he pulls up; see how he is and have a good look at it.”

Meanwhile, Trevor Andrews’ signaled feature three-year-old races for his filly, Ayumi, who landed her maiden win to kick off proceedings in race one of the afternoon.

Following a perfect cover ride by Shaun McGruddy, Ayumi worked strongly from fourth to chase down Moorditj Boy, who held on for third and then staved off fast-finishing runner-up Masamune.

On the strength of a winning trial, Andrews said he went into the race with a major does of confidence.

“Her trial was good and she’s been working with a few of my better ones,” Andrews said.

“We were vey confident she’d run well.

“I’d like to head to the Champion Fillies and Northerly if she is good enough.”

Shooting Spirit is also up for major three-year-old races after making the best possible start to his caring career.

Appearing a forlorn chance at the top of the straight, the Shooting To Win gelding exploded to gun down Our Nemesis on debut.

“He has a dynamic turn of foot,” trainer Simon Miller said.

“I don’t have a proper handle on what his best distance is.

“I could go Fairetha and Guineas or back to the Plaid Ark.”