American-bred bay horse Propellant (Into Mischief – Quality Way) won the second race with a four-length margin on Saturday's (January 18, 2025) nine-race card.
Competing under the training of Gary Subratie for the first time and ridden by Shane Ellis, Propellant secured his initial win on local turf in a race for native-bred five-year-olds and upward (non-winners of two) alongside imported five-year-olds and upward (maidens) over a distance of 7 furlongs.
“I took my time with Propellant, who should go through his conditions. Propellant will grow and develop,” trainer Subratie shared.
Propellant broke well from the gate and settled into second place behind Joblane (Demar Williams) down the backstretch.
As they approached the five-furlong marker, Propellant moved up to join Joblane and took the lead nearing the half-mile point.
Entering the final stretch, Propellant increased his pace, moving ahead of the rest of the field. With Ellis guiding him home using only hands and knees, Propellant finished in 1:29.4 (24.3 x 49.0 x 1:16.0), ahead of Money Box (Aaron Chatrie) and Jet Ski Girl (Jordan Barrett), who placed second and third, respectively.
