Bodyguard impresses

The $1.6 million yearling Bodyguard gave his connections an immediate return on their investment and set himself up for a big future with an impressive performance to win Victoria’s first two-year-old race of the season, the Darley Maribyrnong Trial Stakes (1000m) at Flemington.

Managing owner James Harron said the judgment of Bodyguard’s trainers Peter and Paul Snowden to scratch him from the Breeder’s Plate in Sydney last Saturday, because he drew barrier 13, and send him to Melbourne, was vindicated.

“It is great to see him do that today. It was a big ask to bring him here,” Harron said.

“Peter and Paul thought he’s got the right mind and he’s done everything right. He’s got a great constitution and if we were going to bring one here to tackle this race, he’d be the right one. Hats off to them.”

Harron said that Bodyguard had trialled up nicely prior to making his debut.

He said he paid $1.6 million for the I Am Invincible colt at the Magic Millions Sales at the Gold Coast earlier this year because he was a magnificent horse.

Harron said Bodyguard had a great attitude and he showed that with his powerful win.

He said they would consider the Magic Millions Classic for Bodyguard next year, but they would need to discuss that with the Snowdens.

Bodyguard was ridden by Craig Williams, who described him as being very professional with an unbelievable attitude.

“He went through his gears with limited pressure, and he’s now won a listed stakes race – our first two-year-old race in Victoria – with utter ease,” Williams said.

“He’s a lovely horse with great ability. Lovely colt.”

Bodyguard ($3.70) defeated Cerons ($41) by two lengths, with Altermatum ($21) a long neck away third.

WATCH: Bodyguard’s win at Flemington