Pluck (USA) newcomer Hidden Legend put up an amazing performance score a last-to-first victory at Mornington on Tuesday.

The John Sadler-trained 3yo was spotting the leading division at least eight lengths at the half-mile but he cut the corner and weaved through a gap in the straight for an awesome win in the Noelene Church Maiden Plate (1000m).

“I’m very, very happy with that first-up,” Sadler said.  “I’m not shocked but maybe a bit surprised.  I told Carmel Size he would run a good race.  He’s still immature and I might give him one more run or send him straight out for the autumn.

“He’s a real promising horse.  Teo (Nugent) was talking him up the other day and told him he could have the ride.”

Carmel Size is racing manager for Hong Kong owner Bon Ho who bought Hidden Legend for $380,000 at the 2018 Inglis Classic Sale.  That’s the highest price paid for a yearling at public auction by Vinery sire Pluck.

He’s a younger half-brother to Hong Kong Classic Mile Gr.1 winner Nothingilikemore (Husson).  Their dam Katisam (Lonhro) is owned by Steve Smith and he had the mare covered by More Than Ready last year.

Nugent had done a lot with Hidden Legend and been working on getting him to settle.  “He can overdo it at home and I was happy when the speed went on today,” he said.  “We got a long way back but he really accelerated and I didn’t even get a chance to put one behind his tail.  There’s a lot more there for the future.”

Hidden Legend’s future lies in Hong Kong where Pluck’s winners include Jade Theatre (HK$3.21 million) and Winwin Ruby.

Pluck stands for $6,600 service fee at Vinery with his sire More Than Ready ($55,000) and All Too Hard ($27,500), Star Turn ($22,000), Headwater ($16,500), Press Statement ($16,500) & Casino Prince ($6,600).  All fees (inc. GST).

HIDDEN LEGEND
Son of Pluck pictured before the 2018 Inglis Classic Sale