A return to a firmer racing surface has proven beneficial for the well-bred colt Horologist, enabling him to secure an impressive maiden win at Warwick Farm, while his stablemate and race favourite, Quarterback, encountered a difficult run.
Horologist, a $1.8 million yearling purchase, is by the highly successful stallion Written Tycoon and from the dam In Her Time, a dual Group 1-winning sprinter. He enjoyed a clear run along the outside of the track to comfortably win the Asahi Super Dry Plate (1400m) on Wednesday.
Darren Beadman, representing the victorious trainer Chris Waller, commented that the three-year-old appreciated the drier conditions, having previously placed in two starts on rain-affected ground over the winter period.
“Getting back on top of the ground was the key to him. Even though it’s a soft five, it’s a pretty good surface for all competitors today,” Beadman remarked. “It was nice to tick that box and get him on the board.”
“He’s part of the colt syndicate with Coolmore and he’s out of a very well bred mare. I loved the way he put them away with such ease.”
Beadman added that Horologist had displayed ability as a juvenile but needed time to mature.
With the confidence of a victory under his belt, he expressed hope that the three-year-old would continue to progress through the grades.
“He’s not an overly robust type of horse. He just needed to furnish and have that time,” Beadman stated. “We gave him a couple of runs, tipped him out, brought him back and it has paid dividends being patient with him.”
“He’s always shown nice potential at home, but it was just a matter of having him strong enough to be able to compete at that level. That will help build his confidence.”
Ridden by Sam Clipperton, Horologist ($6) won by 1-3/4 lengths from Master Chief ($101), with Snitzel A’La Rouge ($26), another runner from the Waller stable, finishing a long neck behind in third.
Conversely, Quarterback, one of Waller’s other runners and the $2.35 favourite, was severely hampered for a run in the straight, only getting clear air in the closing stages and cruising to the line without being fully tested, finishing seventh.
Check out the latest betting markets for the race at your preferred racing betting markets provider.
