$2.7m St Gotthard delivers debut success as Switzerland's kin

Priced at $2.7 million with breeding suggesting greatness, St Gotthard drew a crowd at Warwick Farm, where the promising colt duly obliged.

The win was tight, but the full brother to 2024 Coolmore Stud Stakes victor Switzerland fought back gamely, powering home past second-placed Peyton to nab Wednesday's Kia Ora Bloodlines to Headlines Handicap (1200m) by a half-neck.

Jockey James McDonald called St Gotthard a natural talent and noted his yearling price faded in importance after the sales ring.

"It means nothing. He's just a beautiful horse and everything he does, he does with ease," McDonald said.

"He's got a nice nature. He's the full package.

"He was in foreign territory there being outside the leader and left in front a long way from home. He just felt like he floated a little bit, but he's got plenty of talent and he's a beautiful horse going forward."

Chris Waller polished Switzerland and aims to nurture his younger brother steadily.

A Queensland winter carnival path remains possible, but Waller emphasizes learning experiences for St Gotthard before an anticipated strong three-year-old year.

Additionally, the trainer ran third, fourth and sixth with Nations League, Wonka and Lafite, deeming the day's efforts a key starting point for the group.

"They need to have a few runs to get ready for their three-year-old year, so that's the first box ticked for all four of our horses here," he said.

"It's great to get horses up to Queensland, or if the weather holds in Sydney to keep them here too. You can win a Saturday race in Sydney for $160,000 and with BOBS bonuses, it's almost equal to a Listed race in Queensland.

"So here is the main centre of attention. Obviously, we've got the Group One J J Atkins if we get up that far, but the next few weeks we'll be letting go some good two-year-olds."

David Payne introduced an exciting filly Bangkok Hottie, who improved from fifth in the Kindergarten Stakes (1100m) to break her maiden in the Hyland Race Colours Handicap (1200m).

Out of elite sire Too Darn Hot, her talent was evident to Payne from the start, leading to plans for a spell and a spring return eyeing the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m).

"We've always had an opinion of her. Her first run, we were going to run her at Gosford, and she drew badly, so I said to the owner, 'let's give her a run on a big track and teach her to settle, she won't disgrace herself 'and if she'd drawn a gate, I think she would have been right there," Payne said.

"She will go for a spell now, and I'll bring her back for the Princess Series."

The filly Bangkok Hottie is a homebred from the Thompson family, owners of past stars like 2000 Caulfield Cup winner Diatribe.

Visit the online bookmakers to find betting markets for the race involving promising types like St Gotthard.