Iffwedance provided Goodwood Stud with an early family Christmas present when he delivered a commanding debut victory at Otaki this afternoon.

The three-year-old is out of the Soviet Star mare Merry Dance, whose only other foal to race is the four-time winner Firstwedance (Howbaddouwantit).

The dam is out of a three-quarter sister to the triple Group One winner Tall Poppy (Thorndon Mile, New Zealand Stakes, Waikato Draught Sprint).

Studmaster William Fell said the farm had leased Merry Dance off his uncle Tony to send to Iffraaj and Iffwedance is the successful product of the mating.

The chestnut is highly-regarded by trainer Trina Riddell, whose husband Jonathan guided the gelding to an effortless three length triumph.