Tony Nicconi impresses in Caulfield debut

Shin soreness prevented Tony Nicconi from racing earlier in his juvenile season but the colt has shown his class with a dominant victory at Caulfield on debut.

Tony Nicconi ($4.80) stepped out in Saturday’s Keno Let’s Play Handicap (1200m) for two-year-olds and cruised across from the outside barrier to sit on the pace.

He kicked away in the straight under jockey Luke Nolen to win by four lengths over stablemate Ruban Bleu ($4.20) with a long head to Bricktop ($8.50) third.

Co-trainer Tom Dabernig said Tony Nicconi was now likely to be aimed at early spring races in the new season after his impressive debut.

“He was a bit shin sore early,” Dabernig said.

“They’re a bit stiff to run into him at this time of year.

“He wasn’t ready early enough but on the strength of that win I dare say we’ll probably keep him in work but back off for the early spring.

“I guess you always think of the Caulfield Guineas but he’s a very fast horse so I think we’ll keep him sprinting early and just be guided by how he’s going.”