THE PUNTERS HERO

What a performance! Although Spirited Hero was making his debut at Sale yesterday (22 June) and had no public trial form to speak of, bookies had kept a watchful eye.

No wonder they’ve got so much money.

When the Bel Esprit 2YO made his way to the starting gates, he was a firm second favourite at $3, but ended up racing like an odds on pop.

Despite jumping second last, Danny Brereton didn’t spend a penny and had the first starter tucking the rail and racing with the leaders turning for home.

From there the race was never in doubt and Spirited Hero zoomed away to score by five lengths. Click here for a full replay.

Bred by Eliza Park’s stallion manager, Brent Grayling, and Neil Shaw, Spirited Hero is out of the multiple stakesplaced True Hero mare, Snow Hero (7 wins).

This is also the family of Oakleigh Plate-G1 winner Coal Pak and Group Two winner Beau Heed.

Sold through the Eliza Park draft at last year’s Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, Spirited Hero was knocked down to the very astute Colin Alderson, who paid $95,000 for the privilege.

Spirited Hero is clearly above average and is now likely to target the $100,000 Inglis race at Seymour on 23 August.

Chances are you won’t be getting $3 for him next time he starts!