"The three-year-old is a mile too good for them," declared race caller Terry Bailey as the exciting O'Lonera raced away to a stunning 3 1/2 length victory in the $150,000 VOBIS Gold Stayers at Caulfield last Saturday.
Taking on the older horses, the Cindy Alderson trained gelding was also being tested over 2400m for the first time and he could not have been any more impressive.
Leading early from his inside gate, O'Lonera had a longshot on his girth for most of the race and was back to third when another horse took off with 800m to go. But by the 500m he was again in front and from the turn he was off and away.
A big effort from a horse who had won his previous start, also at Caulfield, coming from midfield - O'Lonera both talented and versatile.
"The beauty of him is that he is so relaxed," reported jockey Nick Hall,
"He doesn't get stirred up so you can go where you want to go with him."
Describing O'Lonera as "a true stayer," Hall added that he thinks that "there are better things to come."
Alderson agreed; "he has been a real revelation since stepping up to these trips," she said.
"He switched off beautifully today."
"He has got a great horse with a really good temperament, you can do what you like with him."
Bred by Lynne Alderson, O'Lonera is a son of Larneuk Stud's well credentialled stallion O'Lonhro - record-breaking winner of the Gr.2 Chelmsford Stakes who has also been represented by recent winners Chelsarli, Brightly Goes and Meet My Bro.
"We are delighted to see O'Lonera doing so well," said Larneuk's Neville Murdoch.
"We have always know that O'Lonhro has what it takes to produce quality performers and are very much looking forward to seeing how far O'Lonera goes."
Larneuk stands O'Lonhro alongside Ilovethiscity who has made a most encouraging start with his first crop and Cluster who proved popular with breeders - his first foal due in a couple of weeks.
For further information contact Neville Murdoch on 0418 105 706.