Note to self: Platinum Rain. Otaki. January 6. This could be a debut to remember

Exciting two-year-old Platinum Rain earned a big following for his imminent debut with a terrific win at today’s Levin jumpouts.

The Kermadec colt led his 850 metre heat for rider Robbie Hannam and, despite the heavy footing, proved far too good for his five rivals in the run home.

Trainer Lisa Latta said Platinum Rain won very well “and Robbie said he still had a bit in hand at the line.”

Platinum Rain, who cost Neville McAlister and Lincoln Farms $160,000 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Karaka yearling sale, showed his talent last prep when he ran a very close second and a third in two jumpouts.

Latta, who likes the colt’s lovely long stride, has picked out a race for him at Otaki on January 6.

Fellow two-year-old Platinum Eagle got a huge early fright in only his second jumpout.

Beginning nicely in his 850 metre heat, Platinum Eagle was bumped by a grey horse which Hannam said gave him a real fright and saw him tail right off.

“I thought he did very well to pick himself up and beat one home,” Latta said. “Robbie said he was very timid around the other horses so this experience will do him the world of good.”

Latta now plans to give the colt an eight week spell.

Platinum Eagle was bought by McAlister for A$39,000 at the Adelaide yearling sale in January and is by the High Chaparral stallion Free Eagle, the joint champion older horse in Europe and Ireland in 2015.

Platinum Eagle’s dam Enthrall left 10-race winner Famelist and his second dam was the fast filly 2000 Guineas runner-up Sarah Vee, winner of the Soliloquy Stakes at Ellerslie and Two-year-old Classic at New Plymouth.

Lincoln Lane … coming to hand well.Promising stayer Lincoln Lane who was put aside after winning a trial at Foxton in June, sat just in behind the speed in his seven-horse heat and fought well for third.

Rider Rosie Myers was very happy with the run of the Savabeel four-year-old and advised he would appreciate a better track.

“I will head back to the jumpouts with him on January 8 at Levin before looking for a 1600 metre race for him.”

Master Lincoln, who contested an open 1200 metre heat, jumped well, sat third, and fought on well for second with the five runners scouting very wide on the track.

“Robbie was very happy with him and he will race at Tauherenikau on January 2.

Lincoln Melody, contesting the same heat, sat fourth before moving up widest on the turn.

“She probably found the track too testing by this time of the day and ran fourth but only two lengths covered the whole field.

“She will head back to Otaki on January 6 for a rating 72 fillies’ and mares’ 1600m where she has won before.”

Latta decided to try Lincoln Town in behind in his 1000 metre maiden heat to see if he had learned anything from his last prep when he led every time.

“Robbie said he switched off straight away and proved hard to get going but he did run past one up the straight.

“I think we learned that we have to go forward on him and put him in the race.”

Tauherenikau on January 2 will be his immediate target.