Last season's standout juvenile, Tokyo Tycoon, has signalled his readiness to tackle ambitious targets this season with a commanding performance against his three-year-old counterparts in the Listed El Roca-Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) at Hastings.
Trained by Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, Tokyo Tycoon had previously enjoyed a stellar two-year-old campaign, including five consecutive victories, culminating in a win in the Group 1 Sistema Sakes (1200m), which was later overturned due to a swab irregularity.
Despite underwhelming trial performances leading up to his season opener, Tokyo Tycoon remained the favorite at $1.90, with punters backing his potential.
Under the expert guidance of rider Opie Bosson, he lived up to expectations.
Opie Bosson timed his move perfectly, allowing Tokyo Tycoon to make progress from the rear of the field around the 600-metre mark.
The son of Satono Aladdin responded brilliantly to Bosson's urging, surging to the front and ultimately winning by nearly two lengths.
Burn To Shine finished second, while maiden galloper Rezeki held on for third, fending off Codigo.
Mark Walker expressed confidence in Tokyo Tycoon's readiness for his return, regardless of lackluster trial performances.
He credited Opie Bosson for his astute racecraft, recognizing the presence of ample speed in the race and opting to bide his time.
Walker lauded Tokyo Tycoon as a genuine racehorse, emphasizing that race day performance trumps trials and trackwork.
He acknowledged the horse's workman-like nature and suggested that additional bodyweight would be ideal but praised him as a little champion.
Looking ahead, Tokyo Tycoon is set to return to Hastings to contest the Group 2 Hawke's Bay Guineas (1400m) on September 30.
While currently a co-favorite at $4 for the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton, Walker hinted that they might have their sights set on another prestigious event, the Karaka Million 3YO (1600m) at Ellerslie on January 27, which boasts a lucrative purse of $1.5 million.
Tokyo Tycoon, purchased for $125,000 by Te Akau Racing's David Ellis from Rich Hill Stud's draft at the Karaka Book 1 Sale last year, has an impressive record of five wins from six starts and earnings of just under $700,000. He races for the Meadowbank Masters Racing Partnership and Te Akau Satono Samurai Racing Partnership.
This victory marked the first stakes success for the new training partnership of Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, who have already surged ahead in the National premiership standings after just one month of the 2023/24 season.