Anamoe's relative breaks through at Sandown

A sibling to the champion Anamoe has recorded a significant win at Sandown, with the breeding season on the horizon.

Blue Willow, a mare by Blue Point from the mare Anamato, who is by Redoute's Choice, secured victory in the IVE> Handicap (1600m) on Wednesday.

Although the race did not carry any 'Black Type' status, it counts as a city win for Blue Willow, a point of importance for her pedigree, according to Jack Turnbull, Ciaron Maher Racing's National Assistant Trainer.

Starting as the $2.40 favourite under the guidance of apprentice Jabez Johnstone, Blue Willow won by 1-¾ lengths from Baywatch ($9). Tempranillo ($5.50) finished third, a further 6-½ lengths behind the runner-up.

"That's her Grand Final," Turnbull confirmed. "That's a great result for Godolphin and everyone involved."

He elaborated, "She's a talented mare but it hasn't worked out for her in the last couple of starts with barriers and race patterns. It was a good ride by Jabez. He took his time, got on the back of something and had a bit of fake cover and kept her balanced and it was good to see her finish off."

Anamoe, whose career includes 14 wins from 25 starts, notably the 2022 Cox Plate and nine Group 1 victories, is now establishing himself at stud.

Similar to his famous half-sister, Anamoe's first metropolitan triumph was also at Sandown, where he claimed the Merson Cooper Stakes in his second appearance.

Turnbull mentioned that the stable would await instructions from the Godolphin management, which includes Australian Managing Director Andy Makiv and Racing and Bloodstock Manager Jason Walsh.

"The breeding season is coming up, and she does have a lot of quality and value there," Turnbull stated. "It's great to get the win there and we can work the rest out later."

Johnstone, who had ridden the Godolphin-owned Custom to a win at Caulfield the previous Saturday, expressed his pleasure in achieving another victory for the Royal Blue stable.

"I mentioned last Saturday that it's an absolute privilege to be riding in these colours and winning in them," Johnstone conveyed. "She handled the conditions very well and to win the way she did without being under the stick, was a pretty dominant effort."

Blue Willow was the second of four winners for the Maher and Johnstone team, who also celebrated successes with Stay Silent in the Sportsbet Jockey Watch Handicap, Foire De Trone in the Sportsbet Race Replays Handicap, and Here's Matilda in the Tile Importer Handicap.

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