Almanzor colt makes perfect start

Vermelho made his first appearance at the races a memorable one at Pukekohe.Despite finishing runner-up in his latest trial, the homebred son of Almanzor was unwanted in the betting and started the outsider in the 11-horse field.Rider Tegan Newman worked to the front aboard the Stephen Ralph-trained colt and he travelled comfortably before slipping clear at the top of the straight.Vermelho was still going boldly 250 metres from home, and he had enough in reserve to make a winning debut over 1400 metres.He is a son of the Manhattan Rain mare Keraton, who boasts a strong European pedigree with her dam Keratiya a G2 Chantilly Prix du Bois winner.Other stakes winners on the pedigree page include Kerasona, Darkness, Rocky Ground and Karasiyra.