Son of ill-fated stallion St Jean scores impressive debut win

Melek, a staying-bred son of St Jean, made the perfect start to his racing career with a determined win over the mile at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday.

The Ciaron Maher-trained four-year-old debuted in the Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1600m) and made an immediate impact.

Starting at $4.20 after firming late, Melek charged home under Craig Williams to collar favourite Wolfoffitzroystreet ($2.40) inside the final stages, scoring by a length. Icaro ($5.50) finished a further 1-¾ lengths away in third.

By St Jean — sire of both Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup winner Half Yours — Melek also boasts a dam with exceptional credentials. His mother, Regina Coeli, claimed Warrnambool’s gruelling Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m) twice and secured two flat wins over a mile.

Regrettably, St Jean passed away soon after Half Yours' Melbourne Cup triumph due to a freak paddock accident.

Melek is raced by Maher along with Halo Racing, which includes long-time owner Janice McKenna, previously associated with Half Yours prior to his sale.

Leigh Allen, speaking on behalf of Maher’s stable, suggested the gelding may be capable of far more than his modest debut assignment.

“Janice is in the horse along with Ciaron who has a fair chunk in the horse and well done to the team at Ballarat who have done all the work with the horse,” Allen said.

“He’s four now, but what I can see of that win, he’s got a bright future.”

Williams echoed the sentiment but admitted Melek provided a brief moment of alarm before settling into his stride.

“He was a bit startled and wanted to run away with me, which was a bit awkward,” Williams said.

“But then he fell into the model of stepping slow, and relaxing.

“I thought at the 500 (metres) when he started to reel in the favourite, he had that nice momentum, which was good, but then he got on the wrong leg turning, which is not unusual in their first start, and on this track, but then he kept lengthening and he was able to reel them in.

“It was a good win in the end.”

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