Trained by Gerald Ryan, three year-old Exceed and Excel colt Standout is certainly well named as he was indeed a real standout in the parade ring with his rich chestnut coat, flaxen mane and tail and big baldy face.
Placed in two of his three previous trials, Standout was let go at odds of $8, but always looked a danger after travelling sweetly on the fence just behind the leaders from gate one.
When kicked along in the straight by Tommy Berry, he quickly caught the leaders and scored a length win in the 1100 metre maiden.
Bred and retained to race by Corumbene Stud, Standout is a full brother to Group I ATC Golden Slipper winner Overreach and Group III placed Outreach who stands at Widden stud and will have his first runners this season.
He is the fifth winner from six to race from former smart Snippets mare Bahia, a half-sister to Group I MRC Blue Diamond winner and leading Victorian sire Reward for Effort, who is also by Standout’s sire Exceed and Excel.
Bahia produced another colt by Exceed and Excel last year, but will have no foal this year after missing last spring.
Darley's evergreen champion Exceed and Excel stands at a fee of $88,000 this spring.