Trainer Simon Miller was left in awe of Liberty’s Gem courageous victory in the Westspeed 3-Year-Old Handicap (1200m) at Belmont on Saturday.
Stepping out for his first official outing the Statue Of Liberty gelding displayed grit and determination when leading throughout in challenging conditions.
Jumping smartly from gate two for jockey Peter Knuckey, Liberty’s Gem held on to defeat the ultra-consistent Megafactory by a nose.
Liberty’s Gem, who earned favouritism after three trial wins, gave punters some cheer after they were dealt blows earlier in the meeting.
Sires Produce champion Prentice returned luxury TAB odds of $8.60 in race one and There’snoonesosassy $26.20 in the second.
“To do what he did with the track conditions and the wind was a real big effort,” said Miller.
Dark Rhythm ran a nice first-up race for trainer Adam Durrant when placed a half-length third to Liberty’s Gem.
Molto Allegro failed to run on as expected and ran fifth.