The decision to geld a $1.4million Snitzel colt that is a full brother to Golden Slipper winner Estijaab is one that would not have been taken lightly and it produced an immediate result at Canterbury on Easter Monday.
Not all blue-blood colts bought as stallion prospects by the big syndicates are up to the task and for many of them, Plan B is being gelded and that was the case for the Chris Waller trained three year-old Secure.
A $1.4million Inglis Easter purchase from Arrowfield Stud for Kia Ora/ TFI, Secure was unsighted in his first three starts and after he could finish only fifth in a Canterbury maiden on New Year’s Day, his owners decided in favour of having him gelded.
Returning in an 1100m maiden with just one trial under his belt and Nash Rawiller to ride, Secure made it look easy parking outside the lader and skipping clear to score a two length win.
“Obviously we held him in pretty high regard last preparation, but he just wasn't going on with the job,” said assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth.
“It's nice to see him return in this way and reward the owners for actually biting the bullet early and getting him gelded.
“He's only off the back of one trial so he's entitled to show significant improvement off today, and as a result he should be in for a really good winter.”
Secure is a full brother to Golden Slipper winner Estijaab and Group III winner Remarque being the sixth winner from seven to race from dual Group I winner Response.
Response had no yearling for the sales this year, but had another filly by Snitzel last year before going back to the champion sire again.
