Jockey Luke Currie labelled Pluck (USA) colt Removal one to follow on Friday after another useful win at Yarra Valley.

Removal had broken his maiden at Swan Hill last month and started a short-priced $2.30 favourite in the Tony Smith Hcp.  The Nick Ryan-trained 3yo defeated an all-aged field despite an arduous journey over 1000 metres.

“He had blinkers on for the first time from an outside gate so I suppose you couldn’t blame him for over-racing,” Currie said.  “He was aggressive so I pressed forward towards the leader.  Then he got tired and was switching strides at the finish.

“It’s great to win for Nick.  We’re best mates and he can take this horse through the grades.  There could be a nice race for him.”

Removal is a younger half-brother to Eagle Farm winner Combatant (Jet Spur) and was purchased by Lauren Cameron for $55,000 at the 2015 Magic Millions National Sale.

Pluck (More Than Ready) has 4 yearlings entered for the Gold Coast Magic Millions in January and another 3 yearlings for the Inglis Classic Sale in February.   His Classic filly out of Special Cuvee (Lot 225) hails from the family of Vinery’s Group 1 Coolmore Classic winner Bollinger.

Special Cuvee has foaled two winners from two covers by More Than Ready – More Bubbly (Doomben) & Mega Red (Hong Kong).  And her first Pluck colt was sent to South Africa after being targeted by Adriaan Van Vuuren at last year’s Magic Millions.