Red Sun Sensation captured Saturday's Group III Chairman's Stakes (2000m) at Morphettville and is beginning to repay the faith shown by Peter Moody since the son of Awesome Rock broke his maiden at Geelong last August.
Red Sun Sensation would not be denied (image Atkins Photography)
The 3yo gelding went winless in six starts since, but Craig Williams provided the perfect steer to defeat the favourite Loco (So You Think) by a half-neck, with Suizuro (Real Impact) a long-neck back in third.
"Peter Moody assured me that the way this horse works, he has full confidence in his stamina and ability," Williams said.
"I was nearly dislodged coming out of the gates, so I was glad to stay on and glad he dug deep when he needed.
"He is a nice horse and travelled well, but I feel he is still raw and has a lot of natural progression to come this preparation."
Consigned by Valiant Stud to the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Red Sun Sensation left the ring unsold when bidding halted short of his $40,000 reserve and races for his breeders Alan and Sue Olive.
He comes from the second crop of Fastnet Rock's son Awesome Rock who also was bred and raced by Sue and Alan Olive with a career-high victory in the 2016 Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington.
A half-brother to Listed WATC Belmont Oaks winner Chilli Is Hot (Gingerbread Man), Red Sun Sensation is the second winner from three to race from the unraced Faltaat (USA) mare Society Gal.
Red Sun Sensation could not find a buyer at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale
A sister to Group 1 HKJC Champions Mile winner Sight Winner, Society Gal is a granddaughter of the top-class stayer Duanette's Girl. The daughter of Balmerino won nine races highlighted by the Group II AJC St Leger and was runner-up in the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks and Auckland Cup.
Jason Miller Racing paid $110,000 for a brother to Red Sun Sensation consigned by the Olive's Gold Front Thoroughbred Breeding and Racing to the 2022 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale.
Society Gal has a weanling brother to Red Sun Sensation and revisited Awesome Rock last spring.
Red Sun Sensation is the fourth stakes-winner for Awesome Rock, who covered a career-high 107 mares last spring.
