Mamaragan (by Wandjina) raced straight into Golden Slipper calculations when posting a debut success in the coveted $200,000, Group 2, Schweppes Skyline Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick in Sydney on Saturday.

The winner of two barrier trials on his home track earlier in the month, Mamaragan was sent to post an easy-to-back 20/1 chance before going on to score a comfortable win in the important lead-up to Australia’s premier juvenile event.

Put straight on to the pace by visiting Hong Kong-based jockey Blake Shinn, Mamaragan always seemed to be travelling well within himself at the head of the nine-horse field.

Once asked for a finishing burst with 300 metres to race, the son of Wandjina established a handy break on his opposition and was always travelling too well for his rivals thereafter.

Mamaragan went on to score by in excess of a length from Osamu (by Exceed And Excel), with second favourite Aim finishing strongly for third — albeit over two lengths in arrears of the winner.

Mamaragan and Blake Shinn, picture Stevehart.com.au

Winning trainer John Thompson is now looking at saddling-up his first Golden Slipper starter in a distinguished career.

“He’s very raw, very new but had potential,” claimed the Randwick-based mentor. “That’s the word, potential. The sky’s the limit. 

“You saw today, he was very raw in front. He didn’t know what to do, but he will improve a lot from the run.”

“He was the only one I accepted with [for the Golden Slipper]. He just looked a goer early. I’m not one to try and get Slipper runners, [but] he’s just been a natural from Day One. It’s great to have one in it.”

“I’m sure he will do well. He’s a good doing colt with a great attitude and it’s exciting. He has a good horse’s action. He’s learning, but if he improves from this he will be hard to beat.”

Winning rider Blake Shinn, making a flying visit from Hong Kong, was elated by the win. 

“It nearly brings me to tears,” admitted Shinn. “John has been a supporter from Day One. [Principal owner] Wilf Mula has been a great friend, great supporter. Big team effort, that is what it is all about. It is why we are in this game to have moments like these. Very touching.”

Shinn added: “The horse has got lots of natural ability. He’s an early type, he’s proven that. He’s raw, you’re only a two-year-old once and he’s won the lead-up to the Slipper in fine style.” 

Official margins of the race were one-and-a-quarter lengths by three-quarters of a length.

Starting prices of the Skyline Stakes were $19.00 (from $13.00) Mamaragan, $19.00 Osamu, and $4.80 Aim. Prague went to post the $2.60 favourite before finishing sixth.

Mamaragan is raced by Aston Bloodstock (W J Mula), Mrs R J Mula, B G Mahony, Mrs A M Mahony, Miss C J Stone, Mrs J M Stone, D Burges, E Law, J L Martin, Mrs K Walsh, K J Pryke, L F Durney, M J Grace, G M Fraser, Mrs K Fraser, J K Mitchell, G Skliros, & Hossack (Mgr: A Melideo).

His debut success saw Mamaragan’s Golden Slipper odds tumble in from 100/1 to a quarter of the quote.

The trip from Sha Tin is worthwhile for Blake Shinn, picture Sportpix.com.au

What the beaten jockeys said:

Tommy Berry (Prague): ‘He just copped a lot of pressure the whole way which got him keen and over-racing and he just didn’t finish off. We’ll have to see how he pulls up and go from there.’

Kerrin McEvoy (Aim): ‘He ran really well. We had traffic problems around the 250-300m mark and just a bit of buffeting cost him momentum. He got going really well late and was unlucky - he should have finished closer.’

Tim Clark (Postcode): ‘He ran okay. He led and controlled and just got a little bit tired late. He needs to improve just a little bit more.’

Hugh Bowman (Mission River): ‘I just got caught in an awkward position and he didn’t get a chance to show his best unfortunately.’

James McDonald (Osamu): ‘He did a really good job from back in the field. He’s going the right way.’

Josh Parr (Tommy Gold): ‘He over-raced on a slow speed and it didn’t suit him.’

Jean Van Overmeire (Gorshin): ‘He ran okay. Began very well and had to commit to roll forward. I think he will improve.’

Ben Melham (Argenteus): ‘He’s a really nice horse - just needed more room.’

Skyline Stakes, photo finish picture ATC