New stakes winner for Al Maher
APRIL 25, 2010: Epic Dragon became the first 2-year-old stakes winner of Al Maher’s second-crop to race when winning the Listed ANZAC Day Stakes (1400m) at Flemington.
Trained by John Sadler for clients of Team Corstens, Epic Dragon was taken straight to the front at the beginning of the 1400-metre assignment and dictated the race until half-way down the straight. The final stages witnessed the juvenile son of Al Maher temporarily headed before fighting back close to the line to score in a very tight finish.
Despite having only the second start of his fledgling career, Epic Dragon managed to win the black-type contest by a nose, showing great determination and resolve in the process. Race caller Greg Miles described the colt’s effort as a “terrific fighting performance”, claiming that the youngster had “fought back tremendously” to regain the lead in the shadows of the post.
The Flemington contest has proven to be a stepping-stone to much bigger and better things in the past. Last year’s renewal of the race was won by this season’s Group winning 3-year-old Extra Zero, while 2005 VRC Victoria Derby (G1) winner Benicio also won the same event during his juvenile racing season.
Epic Dragon became Al Maher’s third individual stakes winner following the brilliant fillies Majestic Music and Speedy Natalie. Notably, all three opened up their black-type winning account as 2-year-olds, the latter pair also subsequently proving distinguished Group winners at 3-years. | 
