McDonald guides Columbus to Randwick-Kensington win

Champion jockey James McDonald has been rewarded for his enduring support of Columbus, sticking with the horse through a couple of recent setbacks to secure a midweek victory at Randwick's Kensington track.

The son of Dundeel, a horse McDonald rode to six Group 1 victories, was initially earmarked as a potential classic contender in the autumn before an injury forced him out of the carnival. Since his return with a first-up win at Newcastle in July, the four-year-old has not quite reached the heights anticipated, having been beaten in two subsequent starts when favoured.

While his resurgence in Wednesday's TAB Handicap (1800m) was confined to midweek company, McDonald indicated it was a step in the right direction for the entire, who is under the care of Hall of Fame trainer Les Bridge.

"I still reckon he can go better than that," McDonald stated. "He's just doing enough at the moment. I'm sure Les will coach the best out of him. He's in the right hands and he'll go through the grades. He just needs a bit of confidence. He's a lovely type, as you can see, but there is more to give."

The Chris Waller stable also celebrated a success with the three-year-old colt Wonka ($4.20), a galloper they believe has further potential. Wonka led the charge in the Inglis Xtra Bonus Handicap (1550m), finishing ahead of a stable trifecta, defeating Unhinged ($3.60 equal fav) by a length. Cotoletta Cut ($41) was a further short half-head back in third, with True Tone making up significant ground from last for fourth.

Waller's assistant trainer, Charlie Duckworth, mentioned that Wonka was scheduled to be gelded had he not performed, and while he has now earned a reprieve, his racecraft requires further refinement.

Duckworth also conveyed his satisfaction with the decision to extend the horse's racing distance, a choice that had been a topic of discussion after his minor placings at Warwick Farm the prior week.

"Jason (Collett) rode him seven days ago and he can be quite aggressive. He wasn't convinced whether we actually brought him back in distance," Duckworth shared. "But we thought stretching him out in distance might actually settle him down. He runs a little bit on fear, and if the slower tempo could allow him to see the distance out we thought that would be the path to go. It worked out well today, and he was strong through the line."

Nominations for the Golden Rose (1400m) and the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) are held by Wonka. Nevertheless, Duckworth advised that the colt still possesses "some kinks in his armour" that need addressing before he competes at a higher level.

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