Silver Pledge showed he had a bright future in a staying role when he delivered a stirring performance to beat his older opposition at Swan Hill.
The three-year-old has been patiently handled by trainers Patrick and Michelle Payne and was making just his fifth appearance on Saturday.
The Gerry Harvey-bred son of former Westbury Stud resident Telperion had put the writing on the wall with improved efforts for fourth when stepped up in trip at his last two runs at Wodonga and Cranbourne.
On Saturday, Silver Pledge was taken back from a wide barrier to settle well back on the fence before he angled off the rail 900 metres from home.
The short-priced favourite was strung up in traffic across the top, but rider Neil Farley kept a cool head.
Once into clear air, the gelding went into overdrive and surged clear to score by a length.
Silver Pledge was offered through Westbury’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready to Run Sale where he was knocked down to Patrick Payne for $35,000.
He is the fourth winner, included the stakes placed Mossimo, and last foal of the now retired Zabeel mare Promissory.
She is a half-sister to the Listed Australia Day Cupp winner Danas Best and the upfront family of the G1 New Zealand Oaks winner Miss Mossman.
The pedigree page also features the presence of the G1 Australian Derby winner Ivory’s Irish.