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Cup Week got off to a perfect start for Sydney’s premier trainer Chris Waller who produced a rising star in Kermadec at Flemington yesterday.
Waller had noticed the latent potential in Kermadec in its two Sydney runs and wanted to test him against the better quality three-year-olds in the Group 3 $200,000 Carbine Club Stakes (1600 metres) at Flemington yesterday.
The gamble paid off as Kermadec scored an impressive win and is now destined to be an autumn carnival Group 1 contender at The Championships in Sydney.
“I’ve always liked his action, he has a beautiful, flowing action that you see in good horses,’’ Waller said.
“He has a long way to go but he’s ticking a few boxes.”
Kermadec had only had two Sydney starts but Waller felt exposure to a higher level of competition in the Carbine Club Stakes would stand the colt in good stead for later in the season.
“You have to got to introduce them to the big boys game, you can’t keep them in cotton wool at home,” Waller explained.
“Today was a big step forward for him and we can start thinking about the autumn with him.”
Kermadec ($6) wore down Stratum Star ($6) to win by a half neck with Manhattan Avenue ($15) more than two lengths away third.
Favourite Azkadellia ($3.80) was always well back and failed to run on, finishing a disappointing 10th,
Waller praised top jockey Blake Shinn’s ride then revealed plans to send Kermadec for an immediate spell to prepare for autumn.
“Blake got Kermadec to travel beautifully,” Waller said. “On these big days, it all comes down to the good rides — there is no room for error.
“The autumn comes around so quick and this horse is good enough to be in the autumn,’’ Waller added.
“The Sandown Guineas is a great race but at this stage I want to spell him and have a crack at the autumn.”
Source: News.com.au