Off the back of a few days that trainer Bjorn Baker would like to forget after the his two runners were withdrawn from the lucrative Magic Millions 2YO Classic, So You Think gelding Castagnola impressed on the Randwick Kensington track, breaking his maiden at just his second start.
In the small field of just seven runners, Josh Parr had Castagnola tracking along in fourth position with the Amanda Turner trained Bright Promise bowling along up in front.
One of the first to make a move, Parr came around the outside of Creator Of World to commence his run, and while Bright Promise showed a kick on the home turn, Parr’s mount was too strong in the run to the line.
Holding off the late charge of Creator Of World who came along closer to the inside, Castagnola was too strong in breaking his maiden by three-parts of a length, giving owners Ron and Judy Wanless the first two winners of the meeting after Chris Waller’s Prince Charge took out the first.
“He's definitely going to be better in time over further, so we've got a very nice horse to work with, thankfully,” said Baker post-race.
“He was able to use that fitness, put himself in the race at the right time.
“It’s great to get a winner. I've never been so happy to be back in Sydney.”
Purchased by Curran Bloodstock from the Segenhoe Stud draft at the Magic Millions yearling sale for $180,000, Castagnola is one of six winners, from six to the races out of the Redoute’s Choice mare Lesley’s Choice.
A half-brother to G3 winner Jal Lei, the pair are from the family of G1 South Australian Derby winner Hard To Get, as well as stakes winners Fumble, Reputed Groom and Care To Think.
After foaling Castagnola, Lesley’s Choice hasn’t had much luck with her next foal being her current Zoustar yearling colt, followed by foaling a Harry Angel filly last season before being covered by Anamoe.
In a shock loss for not only Coolmore but the entire industry, the Hunter Valley based farm announced the sad passing of So You Think in October last year.
With 12 individual G1 winners to date, and with only limited yearlings to come, the stock of the ten-time G1 winner are sure to be in demand
