Champion jockey James McDonald’s faith in Columbus has been validated with a midweek victory at Randwick’s Kensington track, following a couple of recent defeats.
The Dundeel colt, whom McDonald partnered to six Group 1 victories, was initially considered a strong contender for the autumn classics before an injury sidelined him. Since his July return with a first-up win at Newcastle, the four-year-old has not quite recaptured his best form, finishing unplaced in two subsequent starts as the favourite.
Although his return to winning form in Wednesday’s TAB Handicap (1800m) was in midweek company, McDonald suggested it was a positive step for the entire, trained by the legendary Les Bridge.
“I still reckon he can go better than that,” McDonald remarked. “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.”
Chris Waller’s stable also celebrated a win with the three-year-old colt Wonka ($4.20), a horse they believe has untapped potential. Wonka spearheaded a stable trifecta in the Inglis Xtra Bonus Handicap (1550m), beating Unhinged ($3.60 equal fav) by a length, with Cotoletta Cut ($41) a further short half-head away in third, and True Tone improving from last for fourth.
Waller’s assistant trainer, Charlie Duckworth, stated that Wonka was destined for gelding if he didn’t perform, and while he has now earned a reprieve, he still needs to refine his racing manners.
Duckworth also expressed satisfaction with the decision to increase the horse’s distance, a move that had been debated following his minor placings at Warwick Farm the week prior.
“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 explained. “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.”
Wonka holds nominations for the Golden Rose (1400m) and the Caulfield Guineas (1600m), but Duckworth indicated that the colt still has “some kinks in his armour” that require ironing out before he steps up in grade.
Find the best Australian betting sites for all your racing needs.
