St Gotthard lived up to his $2.7 million billing by charging to a dazzling triumph in the Group 3 $200,000 Ken Russell Memorial Classic (1200m) at Gold Coast this Saturday.
Chris Waller’s charge was on start two and upheld his undefeated status with a decisive break on rivals.
Star hoop James McDonald, aboard for both races, holds prime position in the colt’s supporter ranks.
“He cost a lot of money but he has a beautiful temperament, killer looks and incredible acceleration – he’s a beauty, he’s all class,” McDonald said.
The $2.40 top pick St Gotthard came from off the speed, raced three-wide on the turn and bolted in by four lengthening lengths beating Silken Salute ($8.50), from Boomelli ($8.50) in third, one length behind.
Out of imported mare Ms Bad Behaviour by Snitzel from Arrowfield, this top-class two-year-old is full-brother to Group 1 star Switzerland, bought for $2.7m by Coolmore group at Inglis Easter Yearlings last year.
Waller, who prepared Switzerland, held back with St Gotthard avoiding the Golden Slipper push in autumn.
His initial run was a sharp win at Warwick Farm, followed by superior showing at Gold Coast.
Waller missed the Gold Coast action, but stand-in Darren Beadman praised St Gotthard as a “classic looking colt”.
“He could have easily lined up in some of the bigger races over the autumn carnival but Chris, being the trainer he is, treats them all as individuals and gave this colt time and it is getting dividends now,” Beadman said.
“It was just nice to see him add another dimension to his race pattern today. They went quite quick up front but he sat back ‘curling the mo’ behind them then let loose in the straight.”
So commanding was St Gotthard that his future odds tightened from $8 to $3.50 equal top pick with The Next Episode for Group 2 $1 million BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm on May 30.
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