Wandjina has delivered trainer Gai Waterhouse a second Group 1 victory at the races this afternoon; leading from start to finish to take out the featured Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington.
Wandjina led from start to finish to win the Group 1 Australian Guineas. Photo: Adrienne Bicknell
Jumping from the gates particularly well, Wandjina immediately took up a position at the head of the field of 14 and set a quick tempo alongside the likes of Chivalry and Stratum Star.
Settling into a good rhythm and experiencing a relatively easy time in transit, the Snitzel colt was offered a clear racing line upon reaching the final straight and charged forward; never appearing in doubt and hitting the line half a length in the clear of a flying Alpine Eagle; Stratum Star boxing on for third.
Hong Kong-based jockey Brett Prebble returned to Melbourne for the ride on Wandjina in the 2015 Australian Guineas, laying all the credit on Waterhouse’s team for the positive result immediately after crossing the line.
“Obviously he’s been well-trained and I’ve just come here to get the rewards,” Prebble said after the race.
“He’s tough and he’s fit and Gai said he’ll make his own luck.
“When we turned for home I gave him a little rub on the ribs and he said catch me if you can, boys!
“He’s a proper horse .”
Representative for Wandjina’s connections James Harron sourced the colt as a yearling, and was understandably thrilled to witness the impressive Australian Guineas performance.
“He’s been a horse we’ve had huge belief in, he’s a maginificent type, great pedigree and it’s great to see him win a Group 1,” Harron said.
“He’s an oil painting; he’s an incredible looking horse. It all goes to the owners and they’re the ones who should be celebrating today.”
“I had a good chat to Brett about the horse before he got on and big hats off to Damien with the way he handled himself with the situation. Thanks to Brett for doing such a great job.”
Wandjina has now won a total of three starts over his 12 competitive appearances on course so far, and has continued his unbeaten streak in 2015 with this afternoon’s success after taking out the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) first-up.
