Hi Manameisjeff picks up debut win at Riverina Paceway

The former Kiwi clocked a mile rate of 1:55.6 despite copping plenty of pressure early for trainer-driver Rodney Coelli.

The son of Art Major showed promise in four trials at Menangle for Tim Butt almost a year ago however Coelli admitted he was surprised by the performance.

"He got attacked early and I didn't really know how good the work was as we've asked him to do too much," Coelli said.

"We haven't trialled him but thought we would just throw him in a race and see how he goes.

"We went a lot better than expected."

Leading from barrier one, Hi Manameisjeff ($6) ran his opening quarter in 27.8 seconds but still had plenty in reverse as he dashed home in 27.2 to down the resuming Realnspectacular ($1.90 fav) by 6.2 metres.

Coellii thought he could have gone faster if really tested by his rivals.

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"The closer she got the more he wanted to go so he probably could have gone faster," he said. "He's only 80 to 90 per cent fit."

It was a meeting of breakthroughs with Master Of Illusion and Teninthebin also winning their first races.