An easy winner at his two previous starts, the Ciaron Maher trained colt
covered ground around the turn under Luke Nolen, but hit the line full of
running.He forged clear of the favourite Casino Fourteen to win the 1400 metre contest by a length and has now won $106,200 in prizemoney for his large syndicate of owners.
"He's a lovely progressive horse," said Luke Nolen.
"He's starting to shape up into the way we want him to go.
"He's such a natural at home he's never really been off the bridle so he's still got to learn to round a race off. He's had a fruitful prep and he's got a fair amount of upside."
A $350,000 Inglis Easter purchase from the Segenhoe Stud draft for Ciaron Maher
Racing, Merchant Navy is a full brother to Group II winner Jolie Bay and
stakes-placed Zara Bay.Bred by Chris Barham and foaled and raised at Segenhoe, Merchant Navy is one of six winners from the good producing Snippets Group III winner Legally Bay, a half-sister to Group I winner Bonaria.
Merchant Navy is the 114th stakes-winner for Coolmore's champion sire Fastnet Rock, who covered Legally Bay again last spring.
He is the fourth juvenile stakes-winner this season for Fastnet Rock joining Catchy, Formality and Shoals.
