Clint McDonald unveiled another promising three-year-old at Sandown on Wednesday, with Trapper John storming over the top of tearaway leader Headbanger in an eye-catching debut win.
Trapper John was well backed throughout betting, firming from $5 into $3 favourite by post time. Reading between the lines of the post-race interview, it appears the stable may have had a hand in the market confidence – and fair play if they did.
The son of Per Incanto had shown ability at the trials, but when he was stone, motherless last at the 400m mark, the task looked a serious one. What followed marked him as a horse of genuine talent. He unleashed a sharp turn of foot to reel in the tiring Headbanger and grab victory in the shadows of the post.
Sandown Race 4 I Trapper John
Huge performance by the @cmcdonaldracing debutant who wins from last! 😮 @BMelham
📺 Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app
REPLAYS: https://t.co/ZIa4a02wC0 pic.twitter.com/oZOimDpVGx— Racing.com (@Racing) January 28, 2026
McDonald has built a reputation for unearthing smart three-year-olds in recent seasons. Refusetobeenglish, who debuted in the same colours before being sold to Hong Kong, is one example – and you suspect interest may already be building in the now-gelded Trapper John.
“We’ve known for a little while that he was very good” McDonald said post-race.
“He’s just been one of those horses that we’ve just had to teach, we’ve had to go quietly through his trials. He trialled well the other day and I was surprised with the price they put up.”
“He’s chased down a fast horse (Headbanger) – I think it was a good win.”
McDonald was particularly taken by the gelding’s acceleration.
“For him to show that turn of foot – only the good ones can do that.”
The $1 million Inglis Sprint down the Flemington straight on Super Saturday now looms as a logical target.
“The race down the straight, the Inglis race, is a race that I’ve had in mind for him. But he’s a horse that can go to a really good level.”
McDonald also made a point of praising jockey Ben Melham, a regular rider for the stable.
“I’m very fortune Ben rides for us,” said McDonald.
Melham echoed the trainer’s enthusiasm, while noting the colt’s rawness.
“He’s very good, he’s very raw,” said Melham.
Tactically, Melham was hesitant to come to the outside, believing the better ground was closer to the rail, but felt the horse’s inexperience left him little option.
“I was reluctant to come out wide on the track on him, but by the same token I just knew how raw he is and going in amongst them, I wasn’t certain he’d let down. So I had to come to the outside – where I don’t (think) it’s better ground – but his turn of foot got him out of strife.”
On debut, Trapper John showed the kind of brilliance that suggests this win may be just the beginning.
