Proud Mandate delivered on the high expectations that trainer Keith Nations has for her, turning her racing debut into an easy victory in a Maiden Special Weight race for 2-year-old fillies on Thursday at Monmouth Park. 

The daughter of Strong Mandate-Proud Dame took command in the five-furlong sprint after an eighth of a mile and was never seriously threatened, beating 4-5 favorite Sharpin by 4¼ lengths. It was another 2¾ lengths back in third to Catsoutofthebag. 

She covered the distance in :58.74 over a fast track. The race was originally scheduled for the turf but was switched to the main track. 

“We’ve liked her from the get-go, from the moment she first came to the barn,” said Nations. “She had the look. She looks like a good horse. The best thing about her is her maturity. She takes everything in stride.” 

Owned by Nick Sanna Stables LLC, Proud Mandate was a $35,000 yearling purchase. 

“She’s very special,” said winning rider Jose Ferrer, Monmouth Park’s leading jockey. “She’s a nice filly. Very mature. You don’t find many 2-year-olds who were as quiet as she was the whole time, especially for her first start. 

“She did everything right. She has a chance to be a good one.” 

Proud Mandate paid $4.20 to win as the second choice. 

Nations said he wanted “to enjoy this first” before plotting the next start for Proud Mandate. 

“She can be special,” he said.