McDonald gifts Waller Warwick Farm opener
James McDonald and Chris Waller are a lethal force on the track, and the top jockey had good reason to ensure that was again the case at the midweek meeting at Warwick Farm.
While it was a long way from the Group 1 arena the pair normally dominate, McDonald was thrilled to boot home debutant Kilman in the Chase The Dream Handicap (1100m) on a significant day for the trainer.
“It’s a good little birthday present for the boss man,” McDonald said.
“He’s a lovely made horse. He rides beautifully as well.”
While Waller wasn’t on track to celebrate, his right-hand man Charlie Duckworth was satisfied to see the two-year-old score with authority following a trio of encouraging barrier trials.
He said Kilman had initially been a fierce horse to train, although he added his attitude was much improved.
“He is one we thought we’d have to give more time to because he used to be aggressive in his trackwork,” Duckworth said.
“But because he has trialled so well and he has relaxed more and more as the preparation has gone deeper, we’ve been able to roll the dice and see exactly where he measures up.
“Jason Collett gave him a massive wrap after his trial and hopefully James gives us similar feedback after today.”
Duckworth was unsure of plans for Kilman but felt he was strong enough at the end of Wednesday’s race to consider stepping him out in distance.
Kilman ($3.20) surged along the inside to score by a length over the wayward Grand Eagle ($2.80 fav) with Frostfire ($7) another half-length away third.
While the meeting began on a positive note for McDonald, the champion hoop was stood down from his final two rides due to dehydration, although he is expected to be fit for Saturday’s Randwick Guineas meeting where he partners odds-on favourite Broadsiding in the feature.
Lightly raced filly Brigidine Gal also impressed in posting her second win in five starts at Warwick Farm, trainer Joe Pride confirming she would now head to the Group 3 Kembla Grange Classic (1600m) on Friday week.
More Racing News
Concord Connie eyes Victorian Group 1 success
Charlotte Littlefield, the Pakenham-based trainer, is opting against chasing substantial prize money in interstate races with Concord Connie, focusing instead on securing a Group 1 win within Victoria.The exciting mare, Concord Connie, has undergone four weeks of preparation and is being readied for her return, with the Group 1 Empire...
Midnight Dynamite's Path to the Big Dance After Rosehill Win
Connections of Midnight Dynamite are keen to see the horse contest a $3 million prize following his commanding performance in the Winter Challenge at Rosehill.Having added Saturday's stakes race to his triumph in last month's Listed Civic Stakes (1400m), the gelding is now slated for the Coffs Harbour Cup (1600m)...
Bold Soul's future may be over jumps after Flemington success
Connections have found Bold Soul, trained by Patrick Payne, to be a good earner on the flat, but his future might be better suited to hurdles.Bold Soul secured the Deane Lester Flemington Cup 1849 (2800m) at Flemington on Saturday, adding to his seven prior wins from 33 starts and boosting...
Sword Of Legacy's determined win follows Band Of Brothers' Ramornie success
Matthew Dunn's stable has enjoyed a prosperous week, capped by Sword Of Legacy's hard-fought victory at Rosehill. This triumph arrived just three days after Band Of Brothers, carrying the same lime, purple, and gold Hesket Thoroughbreds silks of David Moodie, captured the Ramornie Handicap at Grafton.Sword Of Legacy, sent out...
Ko Phangan claims Byerley Handicap at Flemington
The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young stable continues its impressive run in qualifying races for Classic contenders with Ko Phangan's recent victory at Flemington.Ko Phangan's win in the Byerley Handicap (1800m) secures a coveted ballot exemption for either the Victoria Derby (2500m) or the VRC Oaks (2500m) during the Melbourne...
Joint Venture earns carnival ticket with Rosehill triumph
A late-developing two-year-old, Joint Venture, is now in contention for the initial three-year-old feature races after securing a crucial win at Rosehill.The impeccably bred son of I Am Invincible, a $625,000 yearling acquisition for the Newgate stallions syndicate, displayed significant progress from his debut second at Wyong, asserting his class...
Betwitchery ready to extend winning streak first-up
Betwitchery is set to extend her winning sequence as she makes her return to the racetrack at Flemington.The Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin-trained mare is scheduled to begin her new racing campaign in the VRC Member Brendan Sobozynski Plate, a 1200-metre contest, this Saturday.Betwitchery, who has won five...
Littlefield targets Magnolia Cup after Flemington engagements
Trainer Charlotte Littlefield is scheduled to travel back to the UK in approximately a week to participate in a charity race at the renowned Glorious Goodwood Festival.The Magnolia Cup is a distinguished charity event this year supporting Education Above All. It aims to gather funds to ensure access to education,...
General Salute set for Winter Challenge under favourable wet conditions
The arrival of overnight rain has alleviated Sterling Alexiou's primary concern regarding General Salute's prospects in the final black-type race of the Sydney season, following his recent victory in the Winter Stakes.All four of the gelding's previous wins have been recorded on rain-affected tracks. Earlier in the week, with Rosehill...
Burning Heartz set for Adelaide Stakes test
Trainer Gavin Bedggood envisions a future for Burning Heartz in an Oaks race, but his immediate goal is to secure some valuable Stakes black type for the filly.Burning Heartz, a winner on debut at Sandown on July 1, is now heading to Adelaide to contest the Group 3 South Australian...