Beaten on debut two weeks ago, expensive colt Monkstone showed the benefit of that experience to post his first win at Caulfield on Saturday.

Monkstone was the most expensive yearling by Fastnet Rock sold in Australia in 2012 and is the 10th two year-old winner by him this season.

The Peter Moody trained colt was again not brilliant to begin, but was driven forward by Vlad Duric to take up a position behind the leaders.  When given clear running in the straight, he quickly reined in the opposition and drew clear for a commanding two length victory.

Monkstone (2c Fastnet Rock – Catreign by Tale of the Cat) is being set for the G1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) in October.  “He’s a very nice colt, but he’s quite deceiving as he’s so laid back at home, almost too relaxed and then he comes here and puts his game face on and is a different horse,” Moody said.

“He’s never really travelled in these shorter races and it will be interesting to see what he can do when he gets over seven furlongs and a mile and can get on the bit and travel.”

Monkstone was a $1million buy for Coolmore Stud’s James Bester and Demi O’Byrne at the 2012 Inglis Easter Sale.  “He’s a million dollar colt with a hell of a pedigree, so he will hopefully progress through the Guineas Preludes to the Caulfield Guineas,” Moody added.

Winning rider Vlad Duric was also delighted with Monkstone and believes he has a bright future.  “He began only fair, but once he got to the outside of runners he was very impressive and has talent written all over him,” he said.  “He has a lovely manner about him that will take him a long way.”

Monkstone is the first winner for stakes-winning Tale of the Cat mare Catreign, who comes from an imported family featuring numerous Group 1 winners including Louis Quatorze, Royal Indy, Wildcat Heir and Awesome Gem.

Coolmore Stud resident Fastnet Rock will hand over the title of Australia’s reigning champion sire to Darley-based Exceed And Excel on Wednesday night.