THREE-year-old colt Captain Lars enjoyed his first attempt over a mile in a Maiden Plate for colts and geldings at Turffontein on Sunday and strode away to a 1.50-length victory over Double Bind.

Captain Lars was surprisingly easy to back – he drifted from 5-1 to 10’s in the face of support for others, but horses don’t know their odds and the R1,4-million Klawervlei-bred was impressive in beating his wide draw and winning with plenty left in the tank.

Jockey Muzi Yeni rode a patient race, nudging his mount over from a 15-16 berth and eventually getting onto the inside running rail for his run. He said: “Captain Lars gave me a good feel, he’s a smart horse. When he cantered down I thought he was the best horse in the race.

Yeni added: “He might need gelding, he felt a bit big in front. His class brought him through. Thanks to Mathew (De Kock), for giving me the ride.”

Mathew commented: “Well done to Muzi and owner Malih Albasti, who is a loyal supporter of the yard. Captain Lars is a big, burly colt, he was a bit green and he will improve from here.”

Captain Lars is a bay by Captain Al from Polar Charge, by Polar Falcon.