Feroce hands Dominic Sutton city victory

New Zealand-bred gelding Feroce will forever hold a special place in the stable of Dominic Sutton after his on-pace victory at Caulfield.

The $160,000 Karaka Ready To Run purchase provided Sutton with his first metropolitan winner when successful in the Vale John Russell (1200m) on Saturday.

Feroce also provided Sutton with his maiden victory when successful at Pakenham last month.

Ridden by Billy Egan, Feroce ($4.40) scored a half-length win from Perspiration ($3.40) with Bisdee ($10) a head away third.

Sutton, who has saddled just seven starters since commencing his training career last year, started out at Pakenham before moving to Ballarat earlier in the month where he has 11 horses in training and 20 on the books.

“We made the move on Easter Sunday,” Sutton said.

“We’ve been there a week. He’s the first runner out of the barn, so hopefully it continues.”

Sutton said his ‘good luck charm’, father Nick, arrived in Melbourne earlier on Saturday to see Feroce carry the family colours to victory,

Sutton senior is a National Hunt trainer in the UK and had a couple of winners during the week.

“It’s pretty surreal and it’s even more special as I’ve got my father over from the UK and he seems to have a knack when he lands here to have a winner straight off the bat,” Sutton said.

“He must come over more often.

“These are the old man’s colours. He’s been my main supporter helping me get this off the ground, so it’s nice to repay him with a win.”

Sutton was impressed with the victory of Feroce, despite the gelding taking a little longer than expected to reach the front.

“Robbie’s Laing horse (Invincible Beau) kicked up on our inside, but I loved the way he dropped his head and settled when Billy asked to come back,” Sutton said.

“He quickened up nicely and probably got a little bit tired late being in front for that long, but it was a very good effort.”