Release The Speed has vindicated Merilyn Anderson’s decision to keep training with a resounding victory at Moonee Valley.

The Bel Esprit gelding produced a barnstorming finish to defeat Rough Justice (Wanted) in the Sitetech Solutions Hcp (1000m) on Friday night.  He was coming off a strong maiden win at Ballarat and there’s upside aplenty to the lightly-raced three year-old.

“I was going to hand in my license but I renewed it because Release The Speed is a nice horse,” Seymour based Anderson said.  “It’s such a thrill – he could be the best I’ve ever trained.”

Release The Speed (3g Bel Esprit – Special Deece by Encosta de Lago) is from the family of Catkins who won her 8th stakes race in the G3 Sheraco Quality at Rosehill in September.  The Dubawi mare was stiff not to score at Melbourne’s spring carnival with placings in the G2 Tristrac and G1 Myer Classic.

After weighing-in at Moonee Valley, experienced jockey Michael Rodd said Release The Speed doesn’t have much of an idea about racing.  “He’s green and didn’t really get around here tonight,” Rodd revealed.  “But he’s a beautiful animal and was always going to mow them down.”

Release The Speed has an unnamed 2yo half-sister by EPI stallion Magnus.  That filly has been retained by North Road Bloodstock owner Robert Hance.

Bel Esprit sired more than 100 winners for the fourth season in a row in 2013-14 and he’s on track for a fifth century with 47 individual winners since August 1.

His Perth based galloper Ysmael won for the second time this campaign at Ascot on Saturday.  He was going to be nominated for the Winterbottom Stakes but trainer Adam Durrant said the Group 1 sprint had come around too soon.

Bel Esprit stands for a $24,200 (inc gst) service fee at Eliza Park International.