Making his third race day appearance off the back of a pleasing second last time out, 3yo colt Sixties highlighted his potential class with the Chris Waller trained brother to multiple Group 1 winner Artorius pulling clear by more than seven lengths!
With a handful of race morning scratching’s, the Inglis Xtra Bonus Handicap (1150m) on the Kensington track was down to just six runners, with Flying Artie colt Sixties starting the favourite, just ahead of debut runner Iniesta (Farnan).
From the barrier jump, Kris Lees' Woodrow (Exceed And Excel) took up the leading position, with James McDonald content to sit just on his outside on Armaco Racing-owned Sixties.
As Woodrow took the field into the home straight, McDonald quickly pounced aboard Sixties with the colt exploding away to be in a race of his own in the run to the line.
Utterly dominant, Sixties broke his maiden by a tick over seven lengths, and while the race for the minor money saw the Group 3 placed Sanctified (NZ) (Super Seth) get up for second with race leader Woodrow hanging on for third, it was the effort of the eventual fifth placed Royal Corporal (Graff) that screamed back me next start.
It was a great way to start the meeting for the Waller stable, who took out four of the first seven races on the card.
“Really good,” said Waller.
“He's improved with each run. We've always had a bit of time for him, but it's just taken a bit longer than we thought to show it.
“But it was a good run last start and today James never panicked and just got him into a good rhythm and he was really strong in the straight.
When quizzed on where he might head with Sixties, Waller was non-comital on any particular race.
“Ticking the box of the first win is always important. I never get too far ahead of myself, but I'll go away a bit more excited
“Naturally you would like to see a 12 or 1300 metre handicap on a Saturday, well short of the good horses, so he can take a gradual step and maybe join up late spring.
Making it a race to race double after winning on Cantiamo the race prior, McDonald looks to have partnered two extremely promising 3yo’s at the meeting.
“It was spectacular,” enthused McDonald.
“He was very professional. He's learned his craft well. I've taken this time with him, and he'll shoot through the grades off that. He handled the ground well, which was pretty pleasing, so it opens up a lot of doors.
When quizzed over what might be his optimal distance, McDonald felt 1400m may see him out.
“He'll run seven, but I wouldn't think he'd run much further. I think he's a pretty fast horse, and when the penny starts to drop, he'll get quicker as he learns what to do. But that was a great performance and a nice colt going forward.”
Purchased by Aramco Racing Pty Ltd for $350,000 from the Inglis Easter yearling sale draft of Vinery Stud, the Greg Perry-bred Sixties is the fourth winner from five to the races out of the Redoute's Choice mare Gracie's Lass, herself a half-brother to Waller’s former Group 1 winner Delectation (Shamardal).
From the extended family of Group 1 Manikato Stakes and Australian Guineas winner Southport Tycoon (Written Tycoon) who will cover his first book of mares at a fee of $38,500 (inc. GST) at Widden Stud’s Victorian operation, Gracie’s Lass has a 2yo filly by Home Affairs, a yearling colt by Pinatubo (IRE), and is currently due to foal this season to Pierata.
The sire of 13 stakes performers head by Group 1 winners Asfoora, and the previously mentioned Artorius, Flying Artie looks great value at a fee of $11,000 (inc. GST) this season at Blue Gum Farm.
