Punters may not have been cheering the result, but Eternal Warrior made an explosive introduction to racing with a shock upset in the $175,000 Listed Merson Cooper Stakes at Caulfield.

Going around at $41, the colt produced a powerful late surge under Zac Spain to nab Stretan Ruler ($16) in the final strides of the 1000m contest.

A son of freshman stallion Extreme Warrior, he had shown glimpses of ability in two trial placings, and despite trainer Lloyd Kennewell being in Tokyo for the Japan Cup, the camp held confidence he would run well.

“He’s probably doing some shopping and watching the race, it’s fantastic,” Kennewell’s father Gary said while managing the stable.

“He gave a good kick and Zac just rode him a treat. He put him into the race and he finished off.”

A tilt at the $3m Magic Millions 2YO Classic is now on the table, with Eternal Warrior an $80,000 Adelaide buy whose dam hails from the family of Alinghi.

The colt misbehaved before the start and was slowly away from his wide barrier, but once balanced, swept into the race strongly and overhauled Stretan Ruler late.

Raceday favourite Alibaba ($5.50) endured a torrid run after being held up for most of the straight and still finished an eye-catching third, only 1-1/4 lengths from the winner.

Spain praised Eternal Warrior’s determination despite his inexperience.

“I liked his turn of foot today, I thought he trialled up really well, but you have to show that race day under race day pressure,” Spain said.

“I didn’t think I was going to get past Lachie (Neindorf, on Stretan Ruler), his horse was very brave, but the more I got stuck into my bloke, the more he picked up.”

The result adds to the promising start for Extreme Warrior as a sire, his tally now sitting at two winners from just four runners.

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