Last seen running midfield in the Group I ATC Champagne Stakes won by Nepotism, three year-old Trapeze Artist gelding Michelangelo returned from a lengthy spell at Wyong on Wednesday to score an eye-catching win.
Trained by Chris Waller and ridden by Tim Clark, Michelangelo was sent off favourite for the 1350m maiden, but punters would have been in despair as the field turned for home.
Slow to begin and devoid of tactical speed, Michelangelo settled a clear last and on the tight and turning Wyong circuit that usually spells disaster, but not this time.
Michelangelo unwound a powerful finishing doing his best work in the last 100m to snatch a thrilling last stride win.
Gelded during his break away from racing, Michelangelo broke the ice at his sixth start and Tim Clark believes there is more to come as he becomes more tractable.
“He's not so straightforward, but he does have nice staying potential,” said Tim Clark.
“I'm sure he will improve when Chris gets him to do things right as he's still doing it a little bit wrong, but obviously he was good enough to get away with it today.
“A tight turning track like this probably wasn't really suitable either, so there was good merit in the win. I'm sure now he's got the break-through and he can go on with it.”
Michelangelo was a $160,000 Inglis Easter purchase for Tim Roberts Booodstock from Widden Stud and runs in the colours of the Muollo family, who have had so much success racing horses in the Waller stable for many years.
Bred by the Vieira family, he is a full brother to stakes-winner Pinito, who was also second in the Group I BRC Queensland Oaks, and is the third winner from three foals to race from winning Sebring mare Waltzing Wodka, a sibling to Group II winners Seaburge, Catch a Fire and Zloties.
Waltzing Wodka was married to Trapeze Artist and was never covered by another stallion in her six seasons at stud before her death in October.
She has a yearling filly that will be offered in the Widden draft at Inglis Premier as Lot 433 and another filly foal to follow.
