Yulong’s promising colt Grand Prairie made a successful return to the track at Randwick’s Kensington surface, giving trainer Peter Snowden plenty to look forward to this spring.

The Written Tycoon two-year-old, out of Group 1 mare Viddora, showed signs of inexperience but still proved too strong in the TAB Plate (1100m), winning narrowly after a smart ride from Tom Sherry.

“He’s got a few quirks, still a bit green, but to win while doing things wrong is a positive,” Snowden said. “He’ll improve a lot with more racing.”

Settled just behind the speed, Grand Prairie ($6) surged clear midway down the straight and held on to beat outsider Pictor ($31) by a half-head, with favourite Ninja ($2.10) finishing a further length and a half away.

Snowden praised the colt’s effort and said no immediate program has been decided, but he expects to target feature races in the weeks ahead.

Later in the day, Godolphin unveiled another sharp juvenile in Custom, who romped home in the Drinkwise Plate (1100m), impressing stable rep Darren Beadman.

“She did it very easily with ears pricked. There’s a bright future there,” Beadman said. “She may not be at Tempted’s level yet, but you never know what six months can bring.”

Tempted, a multiple stakes winner who also placed in the Golden Slipper, is one of Godolphin’s most exciting exports and will join Ciaron Maher’s team next season alongside Zardozi.

For racing fans looking to bet on rising stars like Grand Prairie and Custom, check out the top odds and specials at these Australian betting sites.