Express Pass proves he is up to class in exciting Bendigo win

Express Pass stamped himself as an exciting colt for the future for trainer Nick Ryan with an impressive win in The Three Bridge Hotel Maiden Plate (1100m) at Bendigo this afternoon.

The talented colt started the $2.60 favourite and soon showed why when, despite being caught 4 wide the trip, he showed an excellent turn of foot in the straight to win comfortably, going away, by 2 lengths running the fastest last 600m of the meeting (33.84s).

A relieved Nick Ryan was very happy with what he saw from his up and coming galloper.

“Relieved is the key word right now. We’ve had big expectations and everyone saw his first run [3rd in the Listed Redoute’s Choice Stakes on debut] and we wanted to bring him here and do that…”

And it looks like there’s more to come too.

“…the improvement in this horse, he’s got so much to come. He’s only had the one real soft jumpout and the one decent gallop so there’s a lot to come, very exciting.”

Jockey Michael Dee was full of praise for the horse when asked whether he thinks Express Pass will make the grade.

“Absolutely.”

“He’s still very green, very new, doesn’t really know what he’s out there for quite at the moment..”

“…he’s only going to get better and better and I think he will be a pretty smart horse.”

It’s expected Express Pass’ next start will come in three weeks time at Flemington in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1200m).