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.
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