Can debut winner match star siblings?

HE HAS already matched a feat of one of his highly-successful siblings, but whether Beach Villa can reach the same lofty heights remains to be seen.

Making his debut at Tabcorp Park Melton tonigh, the Emma Stewart-trained freshman captured the Sapling Stake just moments ago.

As such, Beach Villa joins his half-brother Yankee Rockstar on the prestigious event’s honour roll.

Also prepared by Stewart, Yankee Rockstar captured the 2013 edition when driven by the late Gavin Lang.

With his career cut short by injury, Yankee Rockstar won 22 of his 35 starts – including the Group One Cranbourne Cup – with seven placings and $329,048 also to his credit.

By Somebeachsomewhere, Beach Villa from broodmare gem Aston Villa which boasts a perfect record from six starters.

Aston Villa is also the dam of five-time Group One winner Poster Boy and Group Two winner Born To Rocknroll.

“He’s got a long way to go to match some of the others from the mare, but he’s begun the journey in the right way,” Stewart said.

“We really like him and expect him to keep getting better as he goes along.

“What he has shown so far suggests he can go a lot further, but time will tell if it’s to the level of the others in the family.”

With Kate Gath holding the reins, Beach Villa led throughout from barrier two to rate 1:55.1 over 1720 metres as Commander Buzz and Got Equity filled the placings.

“He did it pretty easily tonight and good part is he’s still learning what it’s all about,” Stewart said.

“With a few more starts under his belt he should keep developing into a very nice two-year-old.”

HOOFNOTE: Beach Villa’s triumph is also Stewart’s sixth in the feature, having won with Restrepo 2011, Our Little General and Our Celebrity in ’16, Treasure in ’19 and Ideal Dan last season.