Chris Waller had four of the five runners in the Ranvet Maiden Plate (1400m) at Randwick-Kensington on Wednesday, and they duly ran 1-2-3-4.
It turned out to be a battle of the I Am Invincibles, with the $250,000 3yo gelding Buillt hanging on to defeat the desperately unlucky $950,000 gelding Himalaism.
Ridden by Zac Lloyd, Buillt enjoyed a dream run, one out and one back. Nash Rawiller had Himalaism travelling sweetly from an inside barrier, but he had to wait for horses to clear him before finding clear air and by the time he did, Buillt had set up a winning break.
Himalaism fell a long-head short, with Ring Ahoy (Sebring) a further one and a quarter lengths back in third.
Bred by Edinburgh Park Stud’s Ian Smith, Buillt took seven starts to break his maiden.
Stable representative Charlie Duckworth said the son of I Am Invincible has been hampered by heavy tracks.
“He got a lovely ride from Zac, and the weight off told,” Duckworth said.
“He let down with a good spring, and hopefully, he can go on with it this preparation and race at a good level.
“I think it was partly the gelding operation and the (better) tracks, and he has needed the time and has a bit more muscle and a bit more power behind him. It’s a long process, from yearling sales to the winner’s stall. But it’s worth it when they win like that.
Magic Bloodstock & Associates shelled out $250,000 for Buillt from the Edinburgh Park at the 2021 Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
A half-brother to the Group II-placed Serena Bay (Sebring), Buillt is the sixth winner from as many runners for the stakes-winning Dubai Destination mare Caiguna.
Sold by Edinburgh Park to Mungrup Pastoral for $40,000 at the 2022 National Sale, Caiguna foaled a Flying Artie filly last spring and was covered by Too Darn Hot (GB).
