A return to firmer ground has propelled the well-bred colt Horologist to a decisive maiden victory at Warwick Farm, while his stablemate and race favourite, Quarterback, experienced a frustrating run.
Purchased for $1.8 million as a yearling, Horologist, a son of the renowned stallion Written Tycoon and out of the dual Group 1-winning sprinter In Her Time, enjoyed a clear passage along the outside rail to win the Asahi Super Dry Plate (1400m) on Wednesday with authority.
Darren Beadman, representing winning trainer Chris Waller, noted that the three-year-old relished the drier conditions, having previously placed in two starts on rain-affected tracks during the winter months.
“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 commented. “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 talent as a juvenile but required time to fully mature.
With the confidence gained from this win, he expressed optimism that the three-year-old could continue his ascent through the racing ranks.
“He’s not an overly robust type of horse. He just needed to furnish and have that time,” Beadman explained. “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.”
Under jockey Sam Clipperton, Horologist ($6) triumphed by 1-3/4 lengths from Master Chief ($101), with another stable runner, Snitzel A’La Rouge ($26), securing third place a further long neck behind.
Meanwhile, Quarterback, one of Waller’s other contenders and the $2.35 favourite, found himself severely impeded in the straight, only managing to find clear running in the closing stages and finishing seventh without being fully tested.
For those looking to back the next promising galloper, consider exploring the latest Australian betting sites for competitive racing odds.
