Making his Australian debut, Homesman (USA) fought off the challenge of his more favoured stablemate Almandin in Saturday's Listed Mornington Cup Prelude to credit Macedon lodge's new trainer Liam Howley to a dream start his to his new career.
With Ben Melham in the saddle, Homesman (USA) needed all of his 3.5 kgs weight advantage to nose out the former Melbourne Cup hero Almandin with Golden Mane two lengths back in third. (photo Grant Courtney)
The former Aidan O'Brien-trainee won the Group III Gallinule Stakes at the Curragh back in May last year before finishing fifth in the King George V Stakes at Ascot.
Taken to America for the Grade 1 Belmont Derby Invitational at Belmont Park, Homesman (USA) clocked in third behind Oscar Performance.
The son of War Front is a half-brother to the dual Listed winner and twice Group 1 placed U S Ranger (Danzig).
He is out of the Red Ransom mare My Annette who is a three-quarter-sister to the champion sire Dynaformer and a half-sister to White Bridle (USA).