GIFT WRAPPED FIRST-UP

Only The Best gave his connections an early Christmas present with an authoritative performance at Yarra Valley on Friday. 

The Exceed and Excel three-year-old pushed forward early to control the tempo of the race from outside the leader before proving too strong in the run to the line. 

“It was a strong win and he has plenty of improvement to come,” winning jockey Fred Kersley said post race. 

"He didn’t really get around the corner that great, but he balance up well and put the race away nicely,” Kersley added. 

"Get him on a bigger flatter track and he will go to another level."

Pic by Racing Photos