Usyk impresses in Youthful Stakes

Up and coming colt Usyk (Ultimate Sniper) scored his first classic when he took out the time honoured Benstud Standardbreds Youthful Stakes for two year old colts and geldings at Melton on Saturday evening.

Starting a confidently backed favourite Usyk had won his previous two starts in good company at Wagga and was considered to be the class runner of the event although his stablemate Island Yankee was also in line for a hat trick following wins at Bendigo and Wagga.

Driver Nathan Jack took Usyk to the front and he withstood an early challenge from Major Blitz. I Sea Red was behind the leader.

But the flashy brown colt always looked to be travelling well within himself and he strode clear along the back straight to take an unbeatable lead on turning for home.

USYK AUG 23 REPLAY

Jack just allowed Usyk to keep going and he had nearly 15 metres to spare over Island Yankee who battled on without ever looking likely to trouble Usyk with Kitzbuhel Delight coming from well back for third.

Nathan Jack was gracious after the event.

“I can’t take too much credit as I’ve only had him for a few weeks. All credit must go to my Uncle David who did all the early work with him. He’s come on leaps and bounds working with other horses”.

“He’s a pretty nice horse and exciting to have that’s for sure. I loved his sire Ultimate Sniper. This horse, he’s not that big but he’s got a big heart and a big motor”.

“David had his mother Major Kiss and she won at Bathurst in the Gold Tiara. She was a good filly. Her career was cut short”.

As for Usyk “He’ll have a little let up now and get ready for the Sires and Breeders Crown at the end of the season. But you won’t see him for a while now”.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink