Lightly-raced Mossman galloper Traitor is set for a swift rise up the ranks after winning the ATC Maiden Plate (1400m) at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.

Team Hawkes has always rated Traitor highly despite a first-up failure at Rosehill back in January 2013.  Sidelined for exactly 12 months, he was sent to the Gold Coast for the $100,000 Magic Millions Maiden and informed support saw him firm into a $5 favourite.

Traitor (3g Mossman – Informant by Flying Spur) was hampered in the early stages and then flew home from last in a capacity field when fifth to Anymore.

Back home in Sydney, he made amends with a brilliant turn of foot to defeat Falago (Fastnet Rock) and Man Of Melody (Husson) by more than two lengths.  “He will be a better horse ridden more quietly, but he jumped so well and put himself right there,” jockey Tommy Berry said.  “He was a winner on the way to the gates, he felt that good!”

Traitor was purchased by Hawkes Racing for $75,000 at the 2012 Gold Coast Magic Millions.  He comes from the family of Group 1 winners Slight Chance, Brambles and Group 1 sire Dane Shadow.

Vinery sire Mossman had 3 yearlings sell for $150K and another for $145K at the Gold Coast Magic Millions.

Mossman’s next yearling for sale is a filly from Lady Joy Belle (Lot 301) at the Perth Magic Millions on February 19.  She is related to Mossman Group 2 winner Pure Energy and is being offered by Edan Dale Farm owners Daniel and Eva Highley-Ferraro.