Omolong's unbeaten streak continues, Coolmore Stud Stakes the target

Undefeated colt Omolong is being earmarked for the prestigious Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes in the upcoming Melbourne spring carnival, following his latest commanding victory at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. This win extended his perfect race record.

Omolong demonstrated a powerful closing sprint to claim his second win from as many starts in the Thank You ATC Members Handicap, a 1100-metre event.

Hall of Fame trainer Chris Waller announced that the colt would now have a short rest before being prepared for feature races later in the spring carnival.

"I'm predicting he will have a great future," Waller stated about Omolong. "A race like the Coolmore down the straight (Flemington) later in the spring I think will be ideal. Obviously, there is a lot of improvement still to come for him to do that but he's still very raw, still developing, and I think there is a lot of upside to him. He has always shown us a lot of promise, he's a bright, shining star."

Omolong, who was the easing favourite at $3.10 through various betting markets, came from off the pace and put in an impressive turn of foot to run down Seeiaye ($6.50), with Satin Summer ($5.50) securing third place a length further back.

Kotor, a $3.10 equal favourite on her initial outing, displayed early speed but faded approaching the turn and finished seventh.

Waller commented that "Omolong has a lot of natural talent" and will continue to develop with more racing experience and maturity as a three-year-old during the spring.

"The Golden Rose will come around too quickly for him so we will pick out something mid-spring and aim him at the Coolmore Stud Stakes," Waller confirmed. "I remember Northern Meteor started late in the spring before winning the Coolmore so it will be that style of preparation for this colt."

Siena Grima, a star apprentice jockey, notched her 29th metropolitan victory of the season on Omolong, positioning her just one win shy of Braith Nock in the Sydney apprentices' premiership standings.

"Omolong was a bit sweaty behind the gates, but he was still walking in nice, relaxed circles," Grima explained. "He got into a beautiful spot and travelled lovely from there. He is very leggy and raw. He's still got a lot to learn, so I didn't want to upset him. I had him on the bridle travelling, which is what I was happy about. I just let him build from the five (hundred), got a lovely cart into the straight and once he was balanced up and in a good rhythm, once I went for him he continued to find."

Waller lauded Grima for her composure and maturity in handling the intense pressure of Sydney racing, which he described as exceptional for her age.

"This is one of the toughest (riding) jurisdictions in the world but Siena continues to deal with that and is doing a fantastic job," Waller added.

Omolong, a promising colt by Newgate's prominent sire Extreme Choice, was born late in the breeding season, on December 19 three years ago.

Breeder Gerry Harvey, who retained a 10 percent share in the colt after his $850,000 sale to Yulong at last year's Magic Millions June Sale, was credited with persuading Newgate Farm's Henry Field to prolong Extreme Choice's breeding season beyond its usual end.

Field admitted that without Harvey's insistence, Omolong might never have been conceived. He recalled the conversation with the breeder about Extreme Choice with remarkable clarity.

"I was actually at a Keeneland Broodmare Sale (USA) when Gerry called,'' Field recounted to Racing And Sports earlier in the week. "Gerry asked if he could breed some mares to Extreme Choice in January. I told him no as the season traditionally finishes at the end of December. But I have to thank Gerry for ripping into me and giving me the kick up the backside I needed to have a rethink about Extreme Choice."

Harvey, who rarely accepts refusal, eventually convinced Field to adopt an innovative approach with Extreme Choice. Upon Field's agreement, Harvey submitted several mares to Extreme Choice that January three years ago, including Samarmeteors, who had already produced stakes winner Prost. Omolong is the progeny of that specific mating.

Those keen on the Coolmore Stud Stakes can explore the betting markets for the race at various online bookmakers.