ESPRESSO (13-1) looks yet another David Oughton-trained galloper to have in your camp after a promising seasonal debut behind former Derby winner Super Fit in yesterday's Class Three, 1,400-metre contest. The four-year-old roan son of Military Plume looked decidedly big in the parade ring but still rallied from midfield to finish just over three lengths away in fifth spot. It was a solid effort and, like so many of Oughton's, Espresso is sure to come on considerably. He had won many admirers when trotting up at his final start last term - when accounting for the gutsy Kevmate over six furlongs - and was consequently harshly treated by the off-season reshuffle. He jumped 11 points in the handicap for that win and was virtually friendless in the market yesterday. But the summer break has done him a world of good. On paper, Supreme Bases (65-1) had little chance against his Ladies' Purse rivals, but the David Hill-trained five-year-old proved he is nearing another victory with a flying finish for fourth behind Multi-Star in the 1,800-metre feature.
