Chris Waller’s Golden Slipper hand received a significant boost after Hidrix produced a dominant performance on debut at Rosehill.
The well-bred colt defeated a strong field with authority, while favourite Incognito struggled to make an impact and finished fifth.
Incognito had been well supported for the world’s richest two-year-old race, but jockey Tommy Berry later revealed the colt encountered breathing issues.
“He made a gargling noise pulling up, so he’s obviously flicked his palate,” Berry said.
“The team at home can work out how they fix that.”
Bookmakers were quick to respond, pushing Incognito to $26 for the Golden Slipper while installing Hidrix as joint favourite alongside Warwoven.
Waller trained the first two home, with Confederation finishing 1-3/4 lengths behind Hidrix, while Eviction Notice held third.
The victory added further shine to Hidrix’s pedigree, being a full brother to Group 1 winner Apocalyptic and a $1.7 million yearling purchase.
Waller said the colt had always shown promise despite early uncertainty over his colouring.
“He was out of the Coolmore draft and by Extreme Choice. He ticked all the boxes,” Waller said.
“The only thing we weren’t sure about was the colour, but we’ve got nothing to worry about, have we.
“We’ve only given him two educational trials. What you saw today is more than what I’ve seen at home.”
The Hall of Fame trainer confirmed both Hidrix and Confederation would now be aimed at the Golden Slipper.
“They’re both still on the up and haven’t been asked for everything yet,” he said.
Winning jockey Zac Lloyd was impressed with the colt’s composure.
“He’s just bombproof. He does everything right,” Lloyd said.
“He was extremely push-button.”
Freedman later told stewards Incognito would be scoped but remained optimistic the issue could be resolved before his next start.
With the market reshuffling rapidly, punters can follow Slipper developments through leading racing betting markets.
The post Hidrix equal Golden Slipper favourite after a dominant debut first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
