Kaepernick was held in high enough regard by the Hawkes stable to be sent out
on debut in the Group III ATC Kindergarten Stakes back in April and while he
failed on that occasion behind subsequent Group I winner Hallowed Crown due to
the heavy conditions, he was obviously showing good ability.Spelled and gelded following that run, Kaepernick resumed with a nose second at Gosford on October 30 when he raced greenly, but showed huge improvement at Wyong on Thursday to cruise clear and win the 1350 metre maiden by three and a half lengths for Tommy Berry.
A $400,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Broadwater Thoroughbreds draft, Kaepernick was bred by Jonathan Munz, whose Pinecliff Racing Syndicate still shares in his ownership.
He is the third winner from three foals to race from stakes-winning Stravinsky (USA) mare Volcada, who is out of a half-sister to Group I winner Ideal Planet.
Volcada has another Fastnet Rock two year-old colt to follow that was sold at Magic Millions at the start of this year for $150,000 and has foaled this spring producing a colt by Choisir.
