It’s Vegas Baby finally broke his maiden status at Beaudesert on Sunday when he overcame a wide draw to lead throughout and win comfortably by 1.3 lengths.
The two year old by Beneteau was having his sixth career start but only his second start in maiden company having competed in the Group Two Champagne Stakes at his previous start.
“Today was all about seeing him go to the races and win,” Herne said.
“He really needed that today to give him some confidence. He’s Stakes placed yet still a maidener but I have thrown him in the deep end a couple of times as we rushed to try and have him ready for the Magic Millions.
“He led today and we tried to ride him from behind when he went to a Gold Coast maiden a couple of starts ago and it just didn’t pan out. He drew the widest gate so we decided to go back to last and made up a stack of ground to finish fourth on a track where nothing was coming from behind. He drew wide again today but on this track I told Anthony to try and lead.”
Jumping from barrier ten Merritt had to work hard to get to the lead and never really got a chance to travel with Old Tex kicking up the inside to keep him out. Class prevailed in the final 200m and after a couple of backhanders drew away from them.
“I’m not really sure where we’ll head with him next,” Herne said.
“He’s nominated for the JJ Atkins and the mile will definitely suit him. We’ll wait and see what happens as besides that race there’s nothing else really suitable. This time of year is tricky and if you’re not racing over the carnival it’s hard to find the races you want.”
From six starts Its Vegas Baby is now Stakes Placed and the winner of $45,000.
