Warhorse Lindermann has etched his name into Craven Plate history, becoming one of an exclusive club of thoroughbreds to claim the prestigious race on three occasions. The gelding controlled the pace from the front, securing his tenth career victory and pushing his total earnings past the $6 million mark.
Only legendary horses Gloaming (1919, 2022, 2024), Phar Lap (1929-31), and Chatham (1932-34) had previously achieved this remarkable feat before Lindermann replicated it at Randwick on Saturday, adding the race to his impressive record for the third consecutive year.
Darren Beadman, speaking on behalf of winning trainer Chris Waller, expressed his admiration for the seven-year-old, noting his status as a stable favourite.
“He’s an absolute ripper,” Beadman stated. “He just goes about his business, he’s tradesman-style. He’s won over $6 million in prizemoney. He’s a very kind horse. At trackwork, he goes out and gives his all. He just doesn’t put a bad morning in, or a bad afternoon.”
Lindermann’s triumph came in his fifth start of a typically challenging campaign, which included a notable victory in the Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) last month. However, his performance faltered when he finished without a rival beating in the Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield two starts prior. Beadman attributed this to the gelding’s distinct preference for racing in the clockwise direction.
“Melbourne the other day, when Blake (Shinn) rode him, he cantered to the gates, wanted to get to the outside fence. When he jumped out of the gates he wanted to go right. He’s just a true right-handed horse,” he explained.
Jockey Rawiller has forged a strong connection with Lindermann and was delighted to partner him for another significant win. He mentioned sensing the horse’s readiness due to its pre-race enthusiasm.
“He left like an Oakleigh Plater and had them crossed in seven metres,” Rawiller commented. “To some degree at the half-mile, if he feels them pop out to have a shot at him, he grabs the bridle and wants to go. It’s ‘Woah, big boy – a long way to be going from here’. He went another furlong there in a nice comfort zone and quickened terrifically, like he has been doing.”
The $2.25 favourite, Lindermann, faced little opposition and won by a length from Tom Kitten ($3.10), with Eliyass ($7) finishing a further half-length behind in third place.
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