Last to first for impressive Sonofkirk at Caulfield races

Sonofkirk overcame a step down in trip and a sluggish getaway to notch his first career victory at Caulfield, showing maturity beyond his two-year-old frame in the 1000m event.

The son of Ole Kirk had shown promise on debut with a placing behind Miss Ole at Flemington. On Saturday, he carried strong support as the $4.20 betting site favourite and made a strong impression, storming home from last to edge out Oyster Lane ($5.50) by a long head. Life After Love ($71) was well behind in third.

Billie Rodda, representing the stable, said they had been hopeful of a cleaner jump from gate three but acknowledged that Sonofkirk’s greenness was still a factor.

“We purely put it down to just rawness and being his first start,” Rodda said.

“We came here today in hope that he’d probably jump a little bit better. Unfortunately, he didn’t, but it didn’t matter in the end.”

The turn of foot Sonofkirk displayed impressed connections, who now have their sights set on early spring three-year-old races.

“It was a phenomenal win. He showed a super turn of foot,” Rodda said.

“We just wanted to see him do something like that in which he has, so I’m not sure what the plan going forward is yet.

“We’ll get him home and ensure that he’s pulled up right, but he’s a lovely two-year-old to be taking into the spring races as an early three-year-old.”

McNeil, who was back in the saddle after a break, shared his thoughts on the colt’s eye-catching win.

“I was more hopeful that it was just a bit of greenness at his first start and that he’s more educated from that,” McNeil said.

“His reaction time was a little bit slow, but even his first few strides he just had no speed over 1000 (metres).

“I told the owners we were going to be on speed and be a good chance, and here we were near last, sort of ducking and weaving, but thankfully he was well enough equipped to go on and win the race.”

Those wanting to back promising colts like Sonofkirk should explore Australia’s top betting sites to find the best odds and promotions for future Caulfield races.