It was a dominant performance by Brandjam at Cranbourne on Friday evening, the lightly raced and promising three-year-old showing both speed and heart as he raced away to easily put 1 1/4 lengths on his rivals.
Having only his second run for this campaign – gelded since his previous preparation – Brandjam jumped fast but was taken on early with apprentice Ryan Houston doing a good job keeping him in a nice rhythm in the lead.
Heading to the turn looking to have plenty in hand, Brandjam did not take the corner well, losing a bit of ground as Olive Baguette started to make his run on the inside.
But Brandjam kept fighting, over the final stages putting his class on display to record the second win of his six start career.
“I kept him as relaxed as I could and just let him flow,” Houston reported.
“He did get a bit lost cornering but once he straightened up he was able to finish off strongly.”
Trainer Glen Thompson was represented at the races by Steve Adams who noted that Brandjam still has plenty of upside.
“He did a bit wrong which makes the win all the more impressive,” he said.
“He is lightly raced and still learning his craft.”
“He was good first up and had come on from that. He had a month between runs but had a couple of solid gallops and once he drew well we thought he’d be hard to beat.”
“He is a speedy horse who can hopefully string a few more together.”
A first crop son of the Michael Moroney trained Gr.1 C.F Orr Stakes winner Alabama Express who has made an outstanding start to his stud career, Brandjam is the first foal for Kariba Racing’s good mare Falling Waters.
A city placed winner of four races, she matched up nicely with Alabama Express and Kariba Racing’s Chris & Lynn Dziedzic have been delighted with the result with Brandjam showing ability from early days; at just his second outing recording a smart win at Moonee Valley.
“He is not an overly big horse,” Lynn said but he has a big heart and he is definitely a fighter!”
