The opening two-year-old race of each season is a time of optimism for trainers and owners.
Months of planning and preparation go on the line as ambitions and hopes are heightened.
Making an immediate impression in the Westspeed Initial Plate (1000m) at Belmont yesterday was Fremond.
The Not A Single Doubt colt had the experience of a dominant seven length trial win (1000m) and started a $3.40 favourite on debut.
Punters were left lamenting at the start when the juvenile lost up to two lengths after a slow beginning from the gates.
In the hands of Steven Parnham, Fremond settled last in the field of eight with Strong Values taking up the early running.
Fremond was caught behind a wall of horses on straightening but once Parnham found clear galloping room the juvenile responded.
The impressive debutant exploded to the front with a dazzling turn-of-foot and scored by a half-length from Tworeen.
“I said to some of the owners before the race that it can be won and lost at the start,” said trainer, Neville Parnham.
“He didn’t do things right and just looked down before they jumped and when the gates opened he leapt in the air a bit.
“It probably left him a couple of lengths in deficit but he got travelling to the corner and it was a matter of getting an out.
“Once he found daylight he finished quicker than I anticipated and I thought it was an impressive performance.”
Fremond was the bright spot for the Parnham team with stable mate Watijadoo trailing the field by eight lengths.
Snack Pack and Lucky Street met solid support but found trouble in running and ran fifth and sixth respectively
Snack Pack, prepared by Lou Luciani, raced erratically and The Trevor Andrews-trained Lucky Street was held up at a vital stage.
Tworeen was eye-catching and accelerated quickly from sixth position at the turn.
Fremond is part-owned by Todd Pearson, giving the former swimming star his first win as an owner.
“That’s his first race horse and being an Olympic Gold medallist he will be chuffed,” said Parnham.
Julio Santarelli