Group one-winning jockey Scott Seamer advised Sydney radio star Ray Hadley to look forward to his first Queensland Derby runner after bargain buy Break The Ice broke his maiden at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Hadley and winning trainer Peter Balzen thought Seamer was joking when he told him themBreak The Ice would develop into an ideal Derby prospect after the gelding finished an unlucky fourth at his last start.
But the pair listened a little more intently after Seamer guided Break The Ice to a convincing win in the $100,000 Starcraft Quality (2200m).
"Don't give him any more runs now," Seamer said.
"Tip him out and give him a nice easy time.
"He'll have to be out now to be ready for the Derby and at least you know now he will get into the lead-up races."
Seamer gave Break The Ice ($5.50) the perfect run just off the pace and the lanky Stromberg Carlson gelding gave generously in the straight to defeat Sydney visitor Hustle ($8) by a short neck with Bella Sirena ($13) three-quarters of a length away third.
Balzen paid $24,000 for Break The Ice at last year's Magic Millions sale and confirmed the horse had always displayed staying ability.
"He can certainly stay but he always showed us that," Balzen said.
"It was just his action and the way he carried his head but I knew from early on he would make a stayer."
Balzen heeded Seamer's advice and confirmed Break The Ice would be in the spelling paddock today.
"He's only a lightly framed horse and it has been a good effort to come this far in one preparation," he said.
"He can have six weeks' spell and come back for a Derby preparation."
Premier trainer Robert Heathcote gave Glen Colless a glowing endorsement after the gun jockey used his home-track knowledge to the advantage of in-form stayer Humma in the $45,000 Moreton Hire Handicap (2200m).
Colless is a superb rider at any course but excels on the tricky Gold Coast circuit, as he showed with his polished performance to lift Humma ($2 fav) to a hat-trick of wins.
Colless settled Humma towards the rear of the small field and put the issue beyond doubt in a few strides when he pulled the favourite into the clear to score by a length.
