Patinack Farm’s foundation sire Husson (ARG) has catapulted to the lead in the first season sire table following the win of smart two-year-old Ferment (2 c Husson – Catalyst, by Tabasco Cat) who overcame some difficulties in running to score an impressive debut win at Caulfield on Saturday.

Ferment gave Jamie Mott a difficult ride, throwing his head around when restrained early and then dropping the bridle into the straight but he showed plenty of natural ability to finish too well for his rivals in the $70,000 Laura Butcher Memorial Plate (1100m).

In winning Ferment sent his sire back to the head of the Australian and New Zealand First-Season Sires’ list, his four winners from runners to date having accumulated $123,700.

Ferment has tested the patience of those around him but there is no doubting his ability. Melbourne stable manger Glen Thompson said Ferment is “a professional when he’s running, he just needs to behave a bit better at other times He’s got a few tricks up his sleeve and has done a good job to get here and get through the race. He’s got an awful lot of ability and if he can put it all together then I believe he has the makings of a smart colt,” Thompson said.

Patinack Farm paid $60,000 for Ferment, who is inbred 5 x 5 to Missy Baba, as a weanling at the Magic Millions National Sale and the $42,700 he earned yesterday gives unbeaten champion Husson (Hussonet) earnings of $123,700 and four winners to head the First-Season Sire table by earnings and winnings.