Tim Fitzsimmons notched up his second winner since returning to Australia, with promising sprinter Condor claiming a strong victory at Mornington on Monday.

Ridden by apprentice Ryan Houston, Condor jumped cleanly from barrier five and proved too sharp over the 1000m trip, holding off a wave of fast-finishers in the closing stages. It was a composed and professional ride from Houston, who used the gelding’s early speed to settle just off the leaders before taking control in the straight.

“He rode him perfectly and waited for him to straighten up, and I think that was the winning move,” said trainer Tim Fitzsimmons. “He has a really quick sprint and was able to put a couple of lengths on them.”

The win marks Condor’s second victory from just three starts in Australia, following an eye-catching Australian debut win at Swan Hill and a narrow second placing at Bendigo. The son of Encryption continues to impress since arriving from Singapore, where he recorded multiple wins on the synthetic.

“He’s really settled in well, and we’re rapt with how he’s progressing,” Fitzsimmons added. “Obviously he’ll go up in grade now, but there’s some nice races around for him. There’s a 975m race on the first day of the Swan Hill Carnival which looks a good option for him.”

Condor is raced by Mr K Yong and carries the familiar red and yellow diamond silks of the Gold Stable. With career earnings now exceeding $136,000, the lightly-raced gelding has a bright future as the team maps out his next target.