There was an air of anticipation before the 1000 metre maiden at Scone on Tuesday with big things expected from a Hinchinbrook first starter, who opened up to win by more than eight lengths. Four year-old gelding Floki may have had a delayed start to his racing career, but patience may well pay off judging by this performance.
Prepared at Newcastle by Benjamin Smith, Floki was a hot favourite and despite covering ground having jumped from the outside in a field of 10 was in a class of his own at the finish. Floki powered to the front rounding the turn and raced right away to win as he pleased. “It was really good to see him lengthen like he did today as we’ve never asked him to do that at home,” said Benjamin Smith. “He’s still got good improvement there, so he’s got a promising future.”
Floki was bred by Yarraman Park in partnership with Tim Hughes and was retained to race after being withdrawn from the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. Floki is a half-brother to stakes-placed Prix du Sang and Happy Hussy and is the seventh winner from good producer Morinda, a half-sister to Group winners So Gorgeous and Cumbria. Yarraman Park sold a full brother to Floki at Magic Milliosn this year for $150,000 and there is another yearling colt by Hinchinbrook to follow.
