Just a few days after Chris Waller produced Castelvecchio filly Aeliana to score a spectacular win in the Group I ATC Australian Derby, the champion trainer unleashed another promising filly by the same sire to win at Hawkesbury in a $100,000 Super Maiden (1600m).
Full Hao was a short priced favourite with Tyler Schiller in the saddle and powered up the inside fence to score by nearly two lengths at just her second start.
“She didn’t have to cover an extra yard at all. Obviously it’s sometimes not the spot you need to be at Hawkesbury, up the fence, but she was saving a lot of ground and got a nice easy time of things and it was great to see her break through,” said Charlie Duckworth.
Being by Castelvecchio, longer races will ultimately be suitable for Full Hao, but the reality is she may be a work in progress.
“Obviously we’re a long way from here to an Oaks, but you have seen plenty of times in the past horses like this progress and continue to take the necessary steps,” said Duckworth.
“She doesn't carry a lot of condition as you can see, so whether she can get all the way through to an Oaks is a decision for Chris.”
Full Hao is a homebred for Hermitage Thoroughbreds and is the first foal and first winner for Autumn Wild, a winning three-quarter sister to Group III winner Lilliburlero from Champion 3YO Filly and dual Group I winner Regimental Gal.
Autumn Wild was a $750,000 Inglis Easter purchase for Hermitage Thoroughbreds from Cressfield, but tragically died after producing just two living foals.
The second is Dundeel colt Jaguar Paw, who was sold for $400,000 at Magic Millions last year in the Arrowfield draft to Griffiths de Kock Racing/Peter Ford Thoroughbreds (FBAA)/Cunningham Thoroughbreds/Clarke Bloodstock.
Full Hao is the 20th Australian winner this season for Castelvecchio, who is sitting in second place on the Second Season Sires List behind only Too Darn Hot (GB).
