If Chris Waller was using Saturday’s Group II $500,000 Hill Stakes (2000m) as a guide to Kolding’s chances in the WS Cox Plate, then the five-year-old son of Ocean Park passed his audition impressively.
With the unstoppable James McDonald in the saddle, Kolding raced on the speed before keeping up a relentless gallop to defeat Avilius (GB) (Pivotal) by two lengths with Fierce Impact (JPN) (Deep Impact) a half-neck back in third.
Twelve months after winning the Group 1 Epsom Handicap and coming off a Group 1 win in the George Main Stakes (1600m), Kolding had no shortage of detractors questioning his ability to go further than a mile but his champion trainer had no such doubts.
“Everybody has jumped back on board I was getting lonely,” Waller said.
“We’ve been justified with a Group 1 win last start and another good win this time.
“When the barrier draw came out for the Epsom, we took a blow but when you are racing in Sydney you have options and good prizemoney options as well.
“He’s just won a half-million dollar race and hasn’t affected his preparation. He can still march on to the Cox Plate next start.”
Like the Group III Breeders' Plate winner Shaquero, carrying the colours of Neville Morgan, Kolding advances his record 10 wins, 2 second and 3 thirds from 24 starts with earnings of $5,897,650.
Purchased by Mulcaster Bloodstock for $170,000 out of the Wentwood Grange draft at the 2017 NZB Premier Yearling Sale, Kolding is the third stakes-winner out of the Danzero mare Magic Star who was purchased by Kolding's breeder Warren Pegg for $34,000 at the 2008 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.
Seven out of Magic Star's eight foals to reach the track are winners with Kolding joining the prolific Group II winner Sampson (Dubai Destination) and the Listed winner Miss Upstart (Snippetson).
Magic Star has a 3yo Iffraaj filly named Faye Presto who was purchased for $150,000 by Grahame Begg Racing / Rohan J Hughes
Thoroughbred Services at Karaka. She has finished out of a place in her two starts to date.
Sadly, Magic Star and her Astern colt foal died last spring.
