Reward For Effort has taken an early lead on the Australian second-season premiership following Gold Symphony’s brilliant start to the season at Caulfield.

He has progeny earnings of $247,360 to lead Star Witness on $215,350.

Gold Symphony won a Mornington maiden in July and is unbeaten this season with Group 3 victories in the Vain Stakes (1100m) and McNeil Stakes (1200m).  The Peter Moody trained colt asserted his superiority in the latter after spearing through a gap to defeat Ready For Victory (More Than Ready) and Demonstrate (New Approach).

“He’s sharpened up mentally and physically he’s better,” jockey Glen Boss said on Saturday.  “He puts himself in the right place and is just a winner.”

Gold Symphony (3c Reward For Effort – Tzaress by Stravinsky) has earned $231,950 including $26,300 in VOBIS incentives.  Gary Mudgeway’s Grange Thoroughbreds sold him to Triple Crown Syndications for $100,000 at the 2014 Inglis Melbourne Premier.

Reward For Effort also sired Marie Clare to break her maiden at Devonport on Saturday.  The Star Thoroughbreds filly is the 12th individual winner from his first crop.

The Chatswood Stud stallion won the Victorian freshman title last season and he is standing for a $11,000 (inc gst) service fee.