Jockey Hugh Bowman was full of post-win praise for Chris Waller’s early two-year-old Performer, a huge chance for the 2018 Golden Slipper Stakes next autumn after a big win in the Listed $150,000 Arrowfield Breeders’ Plate (1000m).

The 2018 Golden Slipper Stakes calls for Chris Waller’s Breeders’ Plate winner on Epsom Handicap Day Performer. Photo: Steve Hart.

Waller set a new precedence for the stable taking out the season’s first two-year-old race, kicking off Epsom Handicap Day at Royal Randwick with a win from promising Exceed And Excel colt Performer.

The up-and-comer did everything right, looking the real deal on debut after a nice Canterbury trial win over 900m on September 18.

Bowman rode Performer in that hit-out and was full of confidence going into the Breeders’ Plate on the juvenile who already has a terrific attitude.

“This horse gave me a really good feel in the trial,” Bowman said.

“He’s a really good early two-year-old type…he has the pedigree to go early.

“I was quite confident going into today and he didn’t let me down.”

Waller’s well-bred youngster did plenty right, settling well just off the pace set by the quick-into-stride Invincible Lad from the stables of Peter & Paul Snowden.

Travelling second on the inside was the James Cummings-trained race favourite Hiemal who got away well from barrier one, unlike Performer who just missed the kick before switching off nicely for Bowman.

Following the first two into stride tucked away third was another Team Snowden runner Bondi, the Snitzel colt also a last start Canterbury trial winner.

Hiemal looked to be really punching through on the inside, with Bondi also travelling nicely as the debutant colts and geldings moved into the straight.

Bowman asked for something from Performer and the colt responded, lengthening down the outside to move into fourth and start his chase.

He extended beautifully over the final 100m, overtaking Bondi and going on to win by three-quarters of a length.

Rounding out the trifecta a further two lengths back third was the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Santos ($18) who finished off well on the back of a Rosehill trial win after settling fourth throughout.

Performer is likely to now be saved for a Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival return next year with the Group 1 $3.5 million Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens calling in March.

“I think he’ll improve a bit from the experience,” Bowman said.

“I wouldn’t imagine Chris would push him too far now.

“He’ll be a horse that will be aimed at the Golden Slipper I suspect. He’s a very good colt.”

Waller is yet to prepare a Golden Slipper Stakes winner, while this year’s winner She Will Reign returned to racing last night with an excellent first-up Moonee Valley victory in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m).

To follow the next campaign by Performer, access early Golden Slipper betting and back your selections across Epsom Handicap Day at the right price visit Ladbrokes.com.au.

2017 Breeders’ Plate Results & Finishing Order

Randwick Race 1 – 30/09/2017