Yarraman graduates have had a hot run of stakes success this season and the $175,000 Listed VRC Taj Rossi Final (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday delivered another feature winner with victory going to progressive juvenile Marwooba, a $400,000 Magic Millions purchase from Yarraman Park for Hawkes Racing.
The gelded son of Wootton Bassett (GB) broke the ice at his fourth start at Rosehill last month over 1400m and Team Hawkes were quick to step him up in class and distance for his next assignment.
Ridden by Craig Williams, Marwooba enjoyed a good run in transit and loomed into contention with 300m to run and was strong all the way to the line to win by half a length over Zoustar colt Star of Macedon.
Marwooba will head for a well earned spell with two wins from five starts and earnings just shy of $220,000 and co-trainer Wayne Hawkes believes spring stakes races will be within his reach.
“After last start we thought, do we spell him or do we get him out over a mile and see if he can run a mile and then we can decide what to do with him in the spring,” he said.
“He was always going to the paddock after today win, lose or draw. Dad though a race like the Stutt Stakes (G2) might suit him, something a bit below a Caulfield Guineas.”
Craig Williams believes there is more to come from Marwooba.
“He relaxed really well and we had a bit of a traffic hold up at the top of the straight, so we had to manoeuvre around that and the last part of his race was the strongest,” said Williams.
“He’s won his last two starts and his confidence is coming up. He gives me the feel that he can get further if they choose to do so.”
Foaled and raised at Yarraman Park, Marwooba is the first foal from unraced Fastnet Rock mare Marguns, a sister to Group II placed Italia Belle and daughter of Group I Tatts Tiara winner Pear Tart.
Sadly, Marguns only had one other foal, a yearling filly by Toronado (IRE), and passed away in 2024.
Marwooba is the ninth stakes-winning graduate from Yarraman Park this season and is the sixth 2YO stakes-winner joining G1 winners Fireball and Seize the Day, as well as Blue Door, Zip Lock and Excite.
Marwooba is the 89th stakes-winner for ill-fated Wootton Bassett and is his fifth in Australia this season.
