Previously having started once for an easy win over Morientes at Sandown on December 16, the Marauding gelding made the transition to Sydney and Saturday class in flying style.

After showing good pace from near the outside of the field Pillaging skipped clear at the top of the straight and held out all challenges issued by any of the opposition to take the CVD Treasurer's Handicap (1100m).

At the post he held a length and a quarter advantage over the roughie Mukareena, while the short priced favourite Portfolios who ranged up half way down the straight only plugged home there after to finish a further head in arrears.

One of the most pleasing aspects of the win was the fact Pillaging broke the previous class record.

"The win was really good. He had to work a fair bit early from his wide barrier, and then he finished the race off extremely well," Freedman said from Moonee Valley.

Freedman is upbeat about the gelding's chances in the rich $600,000 Inglis Classic after his triumph on Saturday.

"It looks a really good race. Not only is there great stake money up for grabs, but the restricted conditions will also suit," Freedman said.

Pillaging is now the second shining star to emerge from Melbourne for the race restricted to graduates of the Sydney Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.

A $45,000 purchase Pillaging will join the John Symons trained bargain buy Bel Esprit as leading chances in the juvenile event. Both two-year-olds are unbeaten in their short careers.

PIC - Quentin Lang

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