A half-relation to Cox Plate winner Anamoe has achieved a timely victory at Sandown, as the breeding season approaches.
Blue Willow, a mare by Blue Point from the Redoute’s Choice mare Anamato, was successful in the IVE> Handicap (1600m) on Wednesday.
While the race did not carry ‘Black Type’ status, it represents a city win for Blue Willow, which Jack Turnbull, National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, noted as important for her pedigree.
Starting as the $2.40 favourite under apprentice Jabez Johnstone, Blue Willow won by 1-¾ lengths from Baywatch ($9). Tempranillo ($5.50) finished a further 6-½ lengths behind in third.
“That’s her Grand Final,” Turnbull stated. “That’s a great result for Godolphin and everyone involved.”
He continued, “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, who recorded 14 wins from 25 starts, including the 2022 Cox Plate and nine Group 1 victories, is beginning his stud career.
Much like his half-sister, Anamoe’s first metropolitan win was at Sandown, where he took out the Merson Cooper Stakes at his second start.
Turnbull indicated that the stable would defer to the decisions of the Godolphin team, 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 commented. “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 victory at Caulfield the previous Saturday, expressed his pleasure at another win in the Royal Blue silks.
“I mentioned last Saturday that it’s an absolute privilege to be riding in these colours and winning in them,” Johnstone said. “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 combination, who also celebrated wins 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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