Sam’s superb debut at Benalla

Thursday, 16 February 2017 - All American 2yo Sam's Image gave his rivals something to chase with a brilliant turn of foot at Benalla on Sunday.

Sam's Image was confidently supported into a $2.60 favourite and didn’t let his supporters down in the Flaming Pizza Maiden Plate (1100m). The Peter Morgan trained youngster is raced by owner-breeder Bruce Mathieson in partnership with his wife Jill and Rick Smith.

“The horse shows plenty of promise and was ridden perfectly by Linda Meech,” Morgan said after the winning debut. “He jumped well from the barrier, took the lead and stayed there. It’s a great result for our long-time supporters Bruce and Rick.”

Mathieson raced his dam Illusionist (Favorite Trick) to four wins at Moonee Valley and she was also stakes placed at Caulfield. Her older half-sister Marwell Lady (Lord Seymour) won the Listed Gwyn Nursery at Caulfield and foaled Flemington stakes winner Jestarella Boy.

They descend from celebrated broodmare Oh Calcutta (Streetfighter).

Illusionist has clicked with All American - her first three foals to race by the Geisel Park sire are all winners. Lady Trickster was the first and she’s due to salute again after a last-start fourth at Moonee Valley for Lee & Shannon Hope. She was followed by Sunshine Coast mare Jill’s Charm and Sam’s Image.

Ameridon is another All American 2yo with a future despite a last-start loss in New Zealand. The Liam Birchley trained colt won at Tamworth in January to earn a start in the Karaka Million at Ellerslie.

It was a nightmare trip for Ameridon in the million-dollar sprint. Jockey Robert Thompson reported his mount was forced wide and was inconvenienced when the saddle shifted during the running. He also lost a hind plate.