IMPRESSIVE DEBUT BY ALABAMA EXPRESS

Alabama Express lived up to the promise he had shown at home with an impressive win on debut at Sale on Friday.

Settled just off the early speed by Jordan Childs, Alabama Express loomed large three wide around the home turn and then accelerated into the lead to go on and score by three-quarters of a length over the favourite Wedgetail.

Mike Moroney said he was expecting a forward showing from the son of Redoute’s Choice.

“He’s shown us a lot of natural ability at home and his trials suggested to us he was above average,” Moroney said.

He did that nicely and the pleasing thing is he still has a bit of improvement to come.

“He was most professional in the run but Jordan said he floated a bit when he got to the front and didn’t really know what to do.

“I’d like to think there are better races in store for him once he works it all out.”

Alabama Express was a $280,000 yearling purchase by Paul Moroney at last year’s Inglis Australian Easter yearling sale.

Congratulations to R & C Legh Racing Pty Ltd, Arrowfield Pastoral Pty Ltd, B & C Thoroughbreds Pty Ltd, Mr L Petagna, Mr D C Morison and Ballymore Stables (Aust) Pty Ltd.

Wham made it a double for the stable with a strong win first-up in the Class 1 Handicap over 1212m under Nikita Beriman.

It was the first start for the three-year-old in nearly six months after having time off for injury.

“That was a strong win,” Moroney said. “Even allowing for the scratching reducing the field he still had to do it and after such a long time off he attacked the line strongly.

“We’re still not sure of his right trip, he’s by Fiorente but struggled over a trip when we tried him in the Spring.

“He’s a stronger horse physically and mentally now so we will see how he comes through this and make a plan.”

Wham is another yearling purchase by Paul Moroney from the 2017 Inglis melbourne Premier Sale.

Congratulations to Ballymore Stables (Aust) Pty Ltd, Kariba Racing, Mr K J Holzapfel, J'raver, Mr I L Laughton, Mrs B E Laughton, Mr M J Sexton, Mrs B C Sexton, Gleneagles Stud Pty Ltd, T Fisher, G J Childs, Mrs D M Childs, Mr B Moores, Ms A M Bergin, Mr M J Clohesy, Yes Mon 3 Racing, Aliwas and Gee Gee Equine Limited