Wandjina wonderful in Group 3 victory
Halfway down the big Flemington straight in Saturday’s $150,000 VRC C.S. Hayes S. 1400m G3 a brave placing seemed the most likely outcome for Dr Edmund & Belinda Bateman’s 3YO Snitzel colt Wandjina.
He had jumped smartly from gate 5 to take up the lead, but over-raced in the early stages and was given no peace in front by San Nicasio and Western Australian star Disposition on either side of him. Coming into the straight Wandjina held a narrow advantage until Disposition headed him at the 200-metre mark, while Stratum Star attacked down the outside.
However, Wandjina and his jockey Damien Oliver dug in for the fight and the handsome colt showed deep courage to regain the lead 50 metres from the post and go on to win in 1:22.27 by a short neck from the gallant Disposition. Stratum Star was a length away in third place.
Adrian Bott, representing trainer Gai Waterhouse, said, “Gai has always had a very good opinion of this horse and he has always competed at a high level. It was very good to see him win a race like that.
“He did go a bit strong but to his credit he fought it out all the way to the line.
“Towards the end of the spring he started to get it all together and he stayed in Victoria and has been prepared in the Melbourne stable.”
Also third in the Caulfield Guineas G1, Wandjina has raced exclusively in Group & Listed company since his maiden win last February. His next target is the $500,000 VRC Australian Guineas G1 on 7 March with a Sydney Autumn campaign likely after that.
Wandjina is the 28th stakeswinner (and the 7th this season) for sensational young sire Snitzel. He was bred and sold by Arrowfield at the 2013 Inglis Easter Sale where agent James Harron bought him for $1 million on behalf of his owners Dr Edmund & Belinda Bateman.
Wandjina is the fourth stakeswinner from Arrowfield’s marvellous broodmare La Bamba (by Last Tycoon), also the dam of Inspiration (Hong Kong Sprint G1) and Listed stakeswinners Lucky Unicorn and Provence. Arrowfield’s 2015 Inglis Easter draft includes Wandjina’s half-brother by Manhattan Rain colt and La Bamba has since produced a filly by Snitzel.
Arrowfield’s 2013 Inglis Easter consignment has produced Group 1 winner Majmu (Redoute’s Choice), Group 2 winner Moonovermanhattan (Manhattan Rain) and Group-placed Listed stakeswinner Crafty (Manhattan Rain), as well as Wandjina.
View Arrowfield’s 35 yearlings for the 2013 Easter Sale here.
