Safeguard looked as good as Sepoy when opening his winning account in the Christmas Season Plate over 1000 metres at Flemington yesterday.

After beginning quickly he was soon travelling at the head of affairs, from that point on it was a mere formality, nothing was taking any ground off him in the run home, he won with quite a bit in hand.

This week will be decision time whether the colt is given a short break, with the Blue Diamond Stakes the objective, or given a longer time off and set for the Golden Slipper Stakes.

Whilst the field of seven was made up of six first starters, it didn’t take punters long to sort out a favourite once betting opened, Safeguard was the one they wanted, his price hardly moved from $2.80.

Safeguard showed a great turn of foot, once the gates opened he was soon in front, at one stage about 300 metres out it looked for a stride or two that Mount Zero may bother him, but the issue was soon put to rest.

He is by the ever consistent Exceed And Excel, among the best sprinters of his generation, from a daughter of Canny Lad, in Preserve, a half sister to Denman, and as you would expect from Darley an excellent pedigree.  

Safeguard ridden by Vlad Duric