Salade burst into contention for next Saturday’s $3.5 million Golden Slipper with a barnstorming debut win in today’s Group Two $176,150 Pago Pago Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill.

Prepared by all conquering horseman Bart Cummings, Salade got back in the field but produced a dazzling finish to reel in the leaders before racing clear late for the most impressive of wins.

Stable foreman James Cummings said Salade would almost certainly back up next week and contest the world’s richest juvenile race.

“If he comes through today he’ll back up for sure,” Cummings said.

“He went great. I thought he’d run well today but he went better than I expected.”

“Good horses run well in this race.”

“Horses like Theseo and Duporth kicked off here so he looks to have a very bright future,” Cummings added.

A $65,000 purchase for owner Mathew Sandblom at last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Salade earned over $100,000 for her debut run.

At the post Salade ($7-$10-$9) held a widening two and a half length margin over the runner-up Boys on Tour ($11-$13-$12).

Exceed and Exalt ($13-$17) was another head back in third place – a position ahead of the warm favourite Golden Archer ($2.20-$2.40-$2.35 fav).

Salade is a son of former outstanding Magic Millions graduate and popular Arrowfield Stud sire Snitzel.

He is the first winner to date for the former two-year-old winning and Black Opal Stakes placed mare Just as Beautiful.

A daughter of Beautiful Crown, Just as Beautiful is a half sister to the stakes winning juvenile Tropical Affair – the dam of group winner Matras and group race runner-up Ashikaga.

Winner: Salade (Snitzel-Just as Beautiful)
Race: ATC Pago Pago Stakes G2 (1200m)
Sold for: $65,000
Sale: 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Widden Stud (As Agent)
Buyer: Mathew Sandblom
Earnings: $106,150
Owner(s): MB Sandblom
Trainer: Bart Cummings (Randwick)