Torgersen earns Group I respect from Waller

Chris Waller unveiled a potential Group I three-year-old when Torgersen bloused John O’Shea’s talented colt Tarquin to win the ClubsNSW Plate 3YO (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday.

 

Ridden by Jason Collett, race fitness told in a driving finish with Torgersen ($9.50) outpointing the resuming Tarquin ($3.70) to prevail by a short head with Amanda Turner and Mauro Poletti’s More To Gain ($12) working into third a further 1-1/2 lengths back.

 

The Gai Waterhouse-trained well backed favourite Triple Snitz ($3.40) had his undefeated record blotted finishing sixth, leading clearly in the early stages and kicking into the straight before being tackled at the 250-metre mark.

 

Waller has high aspirations for Torgersen, a colt by proven sire Pins.

 

“He will measure up,” Waller said. “They’ve got to be smart enough and their racecraft has to be good.

 

“That’s what we’re trying to do now, get a bit of confidence into him.

 

“He’s that type of horse you can give a couple of weeks off now and still be around for one of the Guineas perhaps in March.”

 

The Group I Randwick Guineas (1600m) and Group I Australian Guineas at Flemington (1600m) are once again scheduled for the same date – March 5, 2016.

 

Winning hoop Jason Collett afforded Torgersen every possible chance in the run, biding his time behind a solid tempo before getting the timing spot on in the run home.

 

“I think he will get the mile,” Collett said.

 

“He only just got there but in saying that he always had them covered and his best work was his last bit.” – Racenet.com