Chris Waller had a stakes double on Saturday with the progeny of Snitzel courtesy of Lady Shenandoah and Lazzura with the champion Arrowfield stallion also delivering the stable a promising two year-old winner at the metro meeting at Wyong on Wednesday.
Third on debut to subsequent Group III Canberra Black Opal Stakes winner King of Pop at Canterbury last month, Congressman was sent out favourite for the 1350m juvenile event over 1350m.
He was never really comfortable around the tight turning track, but did his best work late with a determined charge to the line getting him home to win by half a head.
Congressman holds an entry for the Group I ATC Sires Produce Stakes and does appeal as though he will be well suited over slightly longer trips.
“He took time to wind up and then really hit the line, but I think he did the job well,” stable representative Charlie Duckworth.
“I don't think this is necessarily the track that would suit him. I think he'd prefer a longer straight and more of a build-up than what you're afforded here, but still good to get the job done.
“He didn't really look entirely comfortable coming around that corner, but he just kept working through his gears and James got the timing spot on.
“Look, he'll be a beautiful miler as a three-year-old, and where we go from here, I guess, is up to Chris and the team, but it’s nice to get the job done, obviously, only on the second time of asking.”
A $575,000 Inglis Easter purchase from Arrowfield Stud for J McCalmont, Congressman runs for Coolmore and partners and is a half-brother to Group III winner Havana and full brother to stakes-winner Diplomatico being the seventh winner from eight to race from good producer Top Cuban.
Top Cuban had no yearling for the sales this year, but produced a colt last spring by Hitotsu before going to Maurice (Jpn).
