Connections of $1.6 million colt Merovee remain upbeat despite his unplaced run on debut at Newcastle.

The first progeny of champion Frankel to race in Australia, Merovee is out of Golden Slipper placegetter More Strawberries, one of several mares the colt's part-owner John Singleton sent to be served by the English stallion to southern hemisphere time.

Sent out the $3 favourite, Merovee finished behind the placegetters in Wednesday's 1200m maiden won by Godolphin youngster Sanctioned but jockey Hugh Bowman has no doubt the pricey colt has a bright future.

"I was delighted with him. He is beautifully bred but he's not a 1200 metre two-year-old and he's going to appreciate the experience, " Bowman said.

"I was very pleased with the feel he gave me for the first time I've been on him."

Trainer Chris Waller was also unconcerned by Merovee's unplaced performance.

He said the horse would be spelled and prepared for a spring campaign and would be suited when he stepped up to a mile.

"He's a lovely horse. The race didn't really suit him," Waller said.

"You will see a different horse in the spring."

Winning trainer John O'Shea said Sanctioned appreciated a firm track and he would decide whether to give the juvenile another run or spell him.