Two-year-old colt Highvol made a memorable first impression on debut, storming to victory in the Listed Anzac Day Stakes (1400m) at Flemington and giving trainer Nick Ryan a debut win for the ages.

Highvol ($9) jumped cleanly and raced on speed under Jamie Mott before holding off the fast-finishing Stay Cosmic ($4.60) by a head. Just Kick ($5.50) filled third, a neck further behind.

Damien Kefford, representing the stable, said the team always had belief in the colt and credited his extensive education through jump outs.

“From day dot, we’ve always had a big opinion on him,” he said. “He’s very revy. He’s always been a bit like a very typical Microphone. So we gelded him, gave him a lot of jump outs. Nick decided to roll the dice here, Nick always thought he’d be a 1400m horse plus.”

“It’s a big task to debut over 1400 at Flemington, but he handled it like a pro.”

Kefford revealed that the team is now eyeing off Queensland’s winter riches, with the J J Atkins Stakes (1600m) shaping as a potential target.

“There is some options up in Queensland even, for the end of their winter carnival. So obviously we’ll see how he comes through this run and then maybe plot a path to some two-year-old races up there.”

Rider Jamie Mott said she had been warned the horse was still maturing, but found him remarkably tractable.

“Rhys McLeod called me this morning, gave me some insight about him and said he’s just not quite there yet, he’s very immature… but he didn’t seem immature out there today, he was very professional and won really well,” Mott said.

“He was push button out there. He jumped, put himself on speed, and he’ll improve off that first-up run over 1400. He was a joy to ride.”

Past winners of the Anzac Day Stakes include Group 1 stars Merchant Navy and Long John—company Highvol now aims to emulate.