African Pulse impresses first up enroute to Lightning Stakes

Exciting three-year-old African Pulse kicked off his summer campaign with an outstanding victory in the Bennison Mackinnon Stakes at Caulfield on Australia Day.

Quickly finding the lead for Lisa Cropp, the talented colt was always travelling well - sitting second mid-race before regaining the lead at the top of the straight.

Challenged strongly by Hot Spin from the 150m, African Pulse dug deep - putting on display an impressive will to win.

"Andrew Mallyon who rode Hot Spin (second) told us that he thought he had us several times in the run home," Michael Moroney said, "but he just kept finding."

"It was a very tough win," he added, "he was softened up several times in the run but was still able to stick his head out at the finish."

Always well regarded by the stable, the son of Johannesburg pulled up very well and now heads to the Gr.1 Lightning Stakes second up.

Congratulations to owners the Ark Syndicate, Rupert & Cheryl Legh Racing, Noel Griffin, C Gasper, Con Barbayannis, Paul Williams, Con Tangalakis and the Tirileni, Wright Racing and Glm Syndicates.

Purchased for $130,000 by Paul Moroney at Karaka, African Pulse is out of an imported half sister to the UK stakes winners Governor Brown and Hataab. Queensland Oaks winner Zagalia hails from this family as does the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe hero Levmoss.

Thank you to Darryl Sherer for his lovely photo of African Pulse saluting on Thursday.