Winless in his first eight starts in Australia, Mister Sea Wolf (IRE) finally had everything go his way in Saturdays' Listed Winter Challenge (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens.
The Chris Waller-trained gelding had only once raced out of stakes class since coming from Ireland where he was a 3-time winner at the Curragh, the most recent over 1609 metres in May last year.
The rising 7yo son of Amadeus Wolf (IRE) was given the run of the race by Jason Collett and was all out to defeat the Godolphin entrant Flow (Street Cry) by a half-neck with the consistent Special Missile (Smart Missile) two and a quarter lengths back in third. (photo Steve Hart)
"He was much better today, the blinkers going on may have been some help there, Waller said.
"He's been a touch disappointing in a couple of his runs. His first start in Australia was an eye-catching one. He's owned by some good clients, not just here but in Ireland as well, so it's always good when you can get a result for them.
"I genuinely thought he was a lightweight chance in the Doncaster but he was disappointing that day. But it's a new preparation and the blinkers have certainly switched him on. I'd say 1800 metres may well suit him better."
Originally trained in England before moving to Ireland, Mister Sea Wolf (IRE) had 23 starts before being sent to Australia.
At his Australian debut, he was just edged out by Testashadow in the Festival Stakes at Rosehill Gardens. He was placed in the Group III Newcastle Newmarket and Group III Doncaster Prelude before failing in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile at Randwick.
With his first stakes win 7 wins, 4 seconds and 4 thirds from 32 starts with earnings of $379,387.
A half-brother to Woodside Park Stud's shuttler Cable Bay (IRE), Mister Sea Wolf (IRE) is one of six winners from as many to race out of the Diktat mare Rose de France who is a half-sister to Group III winner and Group 1 placed Bowman (Irish River).
Mister Sea Wolf (IRE) becomes the sixth stakes-winner for the three season shuttler Amadeus Wolf (IRE) (Mozart).
