The Tony Pike-trained debutant Bolt From The Blue made a winning start to his career when he scored at Taupo by nearly two lengths in the NZ Jumps Jockeys (1000m) on Friday.

The Rip Van Winkle gelding won his two recent trials and took that form into Friday’s race where he took advantage of his handy barrier of three.

“It was a good effort,” Pike said. “The barrier draw helped. He managed to cross and hold the rail, but he did get taken on though.

“They were ticking along at a good even speed but he got a good kick off the corner and he was quite impressive.”

The three-year-old chestnut has impressed Pike who believes the gelding could have a bright future.

“He has always shown a lot of ability and his two trials back in this time as a three-year-old have been good,” he said.

“Just how far he gets distance-wise we are not quite sure, but he looks progressive and there were some nice horses behind him today as well.”