Record colt Tron Bolt impresses with Kensington win ahead of Group 1 path
Securing a sale-topping fee at the breeze-up auction, Tron Bolt seems destined for Group 1 action after his resounding victory midweek at Randwick's Kensington circuit.
Hermitage Thoroughbreds paid $900,000 for the colt - a record at the Inglis Ready2Race sale - with Tron Bolt now pointed at next month's J J Atkins (1600m) at Eagle Farm, perhaps detouring through the Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m).
"There's the Sires' Produce in Queensland. It's two-and-a-half weeks (away), or the same day at Rosehill there's a 1300. It will be one of the two," trainer Chris Waller said of Tron Bolt's next start.
"Ideally, he can win then or run well and go to the J J Atkins.
"He was a nice Ready-To-Run horse, and he's impressed us since day one."
By Toronado, Tron Bolt ($2.70) was third at Kembla Grange on debut back in April but outclassed the field in the Hawaii Five Oh @ Vinery Stud Handicap (1400m) on Wednesday.
James McDonald drove him home strongly to win by three lengths from Rolling Home ($8.50), with Unhinged ($2.50 fav), from the same stable, just a long head further back in third.
The trainer has enjoyed success pinpointing two-year-olds that develop later for Queensland carnival majors like the J J Atkins, and Tron Bolt suits that mould.
"It works well, and we've had it in mind for him for a while," he said.
"He obviously needed to win today. He is a lovely, scopey horse, that's why I'm thinking a mile."
Although St Gotthard, winner of the Ken Russell Memorial Classic on Saturday, confirmed for a break this week, Waller holds promising contenders for the Atkins.
Tron Bolt joins Clarendon Stakes winner Stormy Marco and second-placed Nation's League, the latter scratched Wednesday at Kensington, on the road to the feature.
"They need to keep improving," Waller said.
"I like to give them a run or two at two, otherwise they find it hard to measure up at three."
Visit online bookmakers to find the best betting markets for the J J Atkins race.
More Racing News
General Salute powers to victory in Newcastle's The Hunter
General Salute concluded a stellar spring carnival for the Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou stable with a nail-biting triumph in the Listed $1 million The Hunter (1300m) at Newcastle on Saturday.The richest race at Newcastle saw a gripping duel between General Salute and She's An Artist, with the victor conceding...
Bestower lands feature race win for Kris Lees at Newcastle
A mare not known for consistent victories, Bestower, produced a career-best performance when it mattered most, securing a valuable stakes win in The Beauford at her home track, Newcastle.This was only the fourth win in 35 starts for the mare, and her first since a midweek success last December. Trainer...
Kingswood claims rare Zipping Classic double
Trainer Gavin Bedggood is eyeing a Hong Kong campaign for Kingswood following his history-making Zipping Classic victory.Kingswood has created his own piece of staying race history, achieving a rare double that has not been accomplished for almost six decades. His triumph in the Zipping Classic brings him into line with...
Dabernig's first solo Group 1 achieved with Shadhavar in CF Orr Stakes
The victory of Shadhavar in the CF Orr Stakes undoubtedly provided Tom Dabernig with a unique sense of accomplishment, adding a distinct flavour to his 18 Group One career wins.The Sandown race, serving as the final Group One event of the Victorian Spring for the second consecutive year, saw Shadhavar...
Waller's smart dual-state strategy yields feature race success
Chris Waller's astute decision to campaign his promising three-year-olds, Consulate and Katoto, in separate states has yielded the desired outcome, with both horses emerging victorious in their respective feature races.The decision saw Katoto scratched from the Sandown Guineas (1600m), which Consulate went on to win, while Katoto herself secured a...
Ertijaaj claims emotional victory in Izzy Neale tribute race
The Chris Waller-trained Ertijaaj emerged victorious in a race honouring Izzy Neale, the 22-year-old apprentice jockey who tragically passed away on Tuesday after suffering fatal head injuries in a race fall.Charlie Duckworth, the articulate racing manager for champion trainer Chris Waller, found himself momentarily at a loss for words when...
Cuban Cigar claims deserved win in Legend Mile
Trainer Tracey Bartley has expressed his significant ambitions for Cuban Cigar, a horse that was duly rewarded for his recent consistent form with a victory in the Legend Mile over 1600 metres."He's a really nice horse, I want to back him up next Saturday in The Gong if he gets...
Natural Fling too good in Thoroughbred Club Stakes
Sometimes pushing a horse for another start is a risky strategy, but Tony Mcevoy's experience suggested it was the right call.Co-trainer Calvin Mcevoy confessed to some uncertainty regarding Natural Fling's ability to handle another race given her busy schedule, but the three-year-old filly ultimately delivered a commanding performance in the...
Filly Consulate triumphs in Sandown Guineas ahead of expectations
Trainer Chris Waller expressed satisfaction that the Melbourne Cup Carnival isn't solely about accumulating wins, especially when a filly like Consulate delivers a standout performance in a race such as the Sandown Guineas.The Group 2 1600m contest, now reinstated to its customary date at Sandown, proved significant for Sheza Alibi...
Impressive debut win for Lucky Lakota in Max Lees Classic
Lucky Lakota delivered a hometown victory of sorts in the Newcastle stand-alone opener, clinching the $160,000 Max Lees Classic (900m) with a strong finishing run.Although prepared by Ciaron Maher, the nation's foremost trainer, Lucky Lakota was procured and syndicated by Jamie Lovett and Luke Murrell of Newcastle's Australian Bloodstock, with...