A half-sister to the esteemed Cox Plate winner Anamoe has achieved a timely victory at Sandown, just as the breeding season draws near.
Blue Willow, a progeny of Blue Point out of the Redoute’s Choice mare Anamato, triumphed in the IVE> Handicap over 1600 metres on Wednesday.
While the race itself lacked ‘Black Type’ significance, it marked Blue Willow as a city winner, a fact highlighted by Jack Turnbull, National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, as crucial for her pedigree.
Sent off as the $2.40 favourite, with apprentice jockey Jabez Johnstone in the saddle, Blue Willow delivered a commanding performance, winning by 1-¾ lengths. Baywatch ($9) finished second, with Tempranillo ($5.50) a distant third, a further 6-½ lengths adrift.
“That’s her Grand Final,” Turnbull remarked. “That’s a great result for Godolphin and everyone involved.”.
He added, “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 boasts an impressive record of 14 wins from 25 starts, including the 2022 Cox Plate and nine Group 1 victories, is now embarking on a stud career.
Interestingly, Anamoe’s maiden metropolitan success also came at Sandown, where he captured the Merson Cooper Stakes at only his second career start.
Turnbull indicated that the stable would defer to the decisions of the Godolphin team, which comprises 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 also guided the Godolphin-owned Custom to victory at Caulfield the previous Saturday, expressed his satisfaction at securing another win in the iconic Royal Blue silks.
“I mentioned last Saturday that it’s an absolute privilege to be riding in these colours and winning in them,” Johnstone stated. “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 one of four winners for the successful Maher and Johnstone partnership on the day. They also combined for 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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