A couple of New Zealand-breds struck early at Sandown on Wednesday and better things are tipped to be in-store for both horses.

The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained The Deputy (NZ) (Nicconi) was the first off the mark when winning on debut in the first over 1300m.

Jockey Ben Melham was familiar with the Nicconi colt and was pleased to be met by a Soft5 track on Wednesday.

“He is a nice horse. I have tried him a few times and has just really struggled on the heavy ground,” Melham said.

“He led up in a trial the other day and he got lost. I was keen to see him here on a better surface because he has given me the feel of a nice horse with a bit of class.

“He is still pretty raw and green, as you saw up the straight, but he has got a nice future I think.

“The mile will suit him next time, but I think he will learn so much from the outing today. He is in the right stable and the owners are going to have plenty of fun with him.”

Two races later fellow Kiwi-bred Holster (NZ) (Tavistock) recorded his fifth career win with a commanding 2-1/4 length victory over 1800m.

The Tavistock gelding campaigned in Darwin over winter and trainers Amy and Ash Yargi believe the trip has been the making of the horse.

“After speaking to Amy and Ash, the horse’s trainers, they were very confident. They said the horse had grown up after their trip away to Darwin,” jockey Craig Williams said.

“He had a bit of a setback but the trip made him really grow up.

“This is my first ride on him. I could feel how genuine he is and a bit of TLC late was the difference in the end.

“I am glad I chose not to use my persuader and just encourage him, and he went well.”