The new racing season is now underway and it was exciting to see our purple and white stars take out the first metropolitan race on the calendar at Flemington on Saturday. A win as a 2 year old had eluded Better Than Ready gelding CROSSBOW with 2nd placings in both previous starts but his maiden status was quickly replaced by his eye catching win as a new season 3 year old in a performance suggesting that he is a progressive gelding as he continues to learn to race.

CROSSBOW began well from the widest barrier in the 5 horse field and jockey Ben Melham elected to ease the gelding behind the speed where he relaxed nicely, settling into a comfortable rhythm in fourth position. Upon straightening for home, CROSSBOW gradually accelerated through his gears to reel in the leading trio and ultimately win the 1,410 metres event in effortless fashion.

Ben was very complimentary post race (view commentary) and the gelding looks to have an exciting future as he progresses through the grades.

CROSSBOW was a 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling sale purchase from the draft of Yarramalong Park for $160,000. The gelding is aptly named being out of American Stakes performer Dreamarcher (USA).

Congratulations to the winning CROSSBOW owners Mark Rolfe, Feancis Cook, Christine Cook, Paramount Racing (Manager: Kathryn Wood), CGO Racing, Martin Ive, Rachel Ive, Felgate Holdings (Manager: Paul Felgate), Warwick Smith, Dianne Smith, Anne Howlett, Katrina Pailthorpe, Josh Spasaro.