Schwarz, the million-dollar colt purchased by Rosemont Stud, secured his first Group 1 win in the William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley, proving a wise investment for the stud.
The $1.25 million purchase at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, a son of Zoustar, benefitted from the leader-biased racing pattern. Co-trainer Tom Charlton described Schwarz as “a big ticket stallion with a big pedigree.”
After an impressive victory in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) in January, Schwarz bounced back from a disappointing run in the Group 1 Orr Stakes (1400m). The tactic of pushing forward and letting the others chase paid off, marking the second Group 1 win for Charlton and his training partner John O’Shea.
Jockey Jamie Mott, filling in for Blake Shinn, executed the plan flawlessly, guiding Schwarz ($5.50) to a one-length victory over Benedetta ($7), with Jimmysstar ($2.90) finishing third.
Schwarz now has over $1.1 million in prizemoney, with six wins and one placing from 12 starts. Despite a slow start, jockey Ethan Brown was pleased with Jimmysstar’s effort, noting the horse may be better suited to 1400m.