Australia’s most expensive sire Extreme Choice added a new 2YO winner to his tally at Sale on Wednesday giving champion jockey Jamie Kah a winner on her only ride of the day.
Trained by Lloyd Kennewell, two year-old colt Meridius was third on debut at Wangaratta last month and improved at his second outing to break the ice.
He surged between runners late to score a neck win in the 1100m maiden putting paid to a pair of Godolphin runners in Exonumia and Atmosphere.
"I thought it was a pretty big win. He will go to the paddock and have a little freshen up,” said Lloyd Kennewell.
“He’s a valuable colt, an Extreme Choice colt. He will have a freshen up and get ready for the spring.”
Jamie Kah was impressed with the colt, who she was keen to ride before she departs on an overseas holiday.
“I think he’s going to want a little bit further,” she said.
“I wanted to make sure I rode him before I went on my holiday. Now we can put him out and hopefully target something in the spring.”
A $170,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale purchase for Kennewell Racing/Group 1 Bloodstock from the Grandview draft, Meridius is the first foal from Jardine, a placed Stryker mare, whose third dam is blue hen Shantha’s Choice.
He is the third 2YO winner this season from five runners for Extreme Choice with Group I ATC Champagne Stakes winner She’s Extreme the star of the crop so far.
Extreme Choice stands at Newgate Farm at a fee of $275,000.