Back in the winter of 2023 the hottest sprinter in the country was Think About It, who roared to victory in the Group I BRC Stradbroke as favourite and while his half-brother Royal Air Force will never scale those heights, the three-year old is now a winner!
Trained by Chris Waller, the son of Wootton Bassett (GB) has been his own worst enemy at times and was gelded earlier this year after placing just once in five race starts.
That placing was a second to subsequent stakes-winner Caffe Florian at Canterbury, so Royal Air Force has always had a measure of ability, if not commitment to the cause.
With two trials under his belt and barrier one, Royal Air Force was given a positive ride by Tommy Berry to lead all the way and win the 1150m maiden at Randwick on Wednesday by nearly three lengths.
“He’s been a frustrating horse, but he has certainly come back a lot more genuine,” said Chris Waller.
“He’s become more tractable and since being gelded is now a lot more with us than against us.”
Tommy Berry was in agreement with the improvement in attitude from Royal Air Force.
“This time around he is a much nicer ride and he showed versatility today in being able to bowl along in front, relax well and quicken like we always knew he could,” said Berry.
Royal Air Force was a $900,000 Magic Millions purchase by Tom Magnier from Tasmanian based Grenville Stud and is the final foal from good producer Tiare, who has had four foals to race all winners with Everest hero and $12.1million earner Think About It the star.
Royal Air Force is a new winner for ill-fated Wootton Bassett, who is right in the mix to be leading second crop sire by earnings and winners.
