Dexterous Lad didn’t go around a horse on the way to claiming the opening-leg of a winning double for Patronize at Northam on Thursday.

The David Harrison trained gelding was facing the starter for the first time in the Wake Up With Frenchy Maiden (1100m).  He tracked front-runner Spy Scandal and then took advantage of the cut-away to rail up and win by a short-head from Regal Weapon.

“There’s plenty of upside to this bloke, for sure,” Harrison predicted.  “He won two trials despite missing the kick and is a work in progress.  We will bring him to town for a midweek race next time.”

Dexterous Lad (3g Patronize - Canny Justice by Canny Lad) is a homebred for Darling View Stud owners Clive and Brent Atwell.  His sire is based at their Mundijong stud in association with Yarradale Stud’s Ron Sayers and Geisel Park’s Eddie Rigg.

Ironically, the Northam runner-up Regal Weapon (Musket) is raced by Sayers and Rigg and third home Spy Scandal (Scandal Keeper) is also by a Yarradale stallion.

Dexterous Lad’s older half-brothers Dan The Fox, Pak In Black and In His Hands all won races at Belmont.  The Atwells sold his younger brother to trainer Lindsey Smith for $30,000 at this year’s Perth Magic Millions.

Warralakin completed the Patronize double in the Radiowest Rural Focus Hcp (1300m) at Northam.  The Farina Racing Syndicate have been breeding winners from his family for generations.

Patronize (Redoute’s Choice) will stand for a $4,400 (inc gst) fee this year.