AVONTUUR-bred Presidio relished his first outing on sand at the Vaal on Thursday, cruising home by 7.25-lengths over 1450m, an armchair ride for jockey Anthony Delpech.

The 9-10 favourite had been placed twice in KZN Sprints and clealry liked the extra too, taking command of the race a long way out.

Assistant trainer Mathew de Kock commented: “Presidio is a big, strong colt, but he’s still somewhat immature and a bit keen. I think he will develop into a decent type of horse though, he has ability.”

Gary Grant, who part-owns Presidio along with Chris Haynes, Mike de Kock, Phil Georgiou, George Ragunan, Mike Abboud and Noeline Malherbe, said that Presidio was an excellent buy at R125,000 at the Emperors National Sale.

He commented: “Phil Georgiou and Paul Lafferty were bidding on the horse but stopped when they saw that Mike was bidding too. We got him at what looks to be a bargain now, and Phil retained a share.”