Regally bred colt Kingwell is off the mark after just a couple of starts thanks to a taking success at Geelong on Friday (June 16).
The Phoenix Thoroughbreds-owned three-year-old took a big step forward from his debut run to chase down an odds-on favourite under a determined Ben Melham ride. Perhaps most pleasing for his Dubai-based owners is that despite winning well, the rider indicated he feels there is plenty more to come.
Breaking on terms, the son of I Am Invincible was quickly positioned just behind the runaway leader and well-backed market principle, Nokhbah. In truth, the two had the race between them from then on. With the front-runner stretching a little clear of the field, Melham was happy for his mount to travel in a nice rhythm up until the turn for home. Despite being one of the first off the bridle, the Price-Kent Racing trainee picked up well and gradually roped in his rival before being eased down in the shadow of the winning post.
⚜ Yulong-bred 3YO colt Kingwell (I Am Invincible) breaks his maiden at start 2 for @MickPriceRacing.
He was a @mmsnippets GC Yearling buy for his trainers. Congrats to all connections!
His dam Extremely, the dam of Extreme Choice, is in foal to Champion Sire, #WrittenTycoon. pic.twitter.com/n42nV2X9Mc
— Yulong Investments (@YulongInvest) June 16, 2023
“He’s a nice horse, he’s progressive (and) he’s learning still,” Melham said.
“He’s pretty casual, so you’ve got to keep him on the job, but hopefully, he can gain some confidence out of that and go on with today’s win.”
A half-brother to dual Group One winner Extreme Choice, Kingwell was a $550,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase and is the ninth foal from the Hussonet mare Extremely.