Talented three year-old gelding Watson is one of 167 Australian winners this season for Capitalist and racked up his third win this year when saluting at Canterbury on Wednesday for the Waterhouse Bott stable.
Fourth to Tempted in the Group III ATC Eskimo Prince Stakes back in February and then a close fifth in the Listed Canberra Guineas, Watson was returning from a spell in the 1200m Benchmark 72 event.
Sent off as favourite, despite a question mark over his ability to handle the slow ground, Watson produced a tenacious effort for Zac Wadick to score by a neck over the older and more seasoned Justify (USA) gelding Clear Proof.
The pair cleared away from their rivals by some five lengths with the victory taking Watson’s overall record to three wins from eight starts with prizemoney topping $130,000.
“It was pleasing to see that return. Zac rode him well today and he was patient when they kicked up underneath him and got into a nice rhythm,” said Adrian Bott.
“He quickened really well at the top of the straight and may have been tiring a bit late in the testing conditions, but his class got him through.
“Naturally he can step up to 1400m and I think that will be his sweet spot this campaign and we will look to step him up to Saturday grade provided we get the right track conditions at this time of year.
“He’s a nice horse with plenty of upside.”
Watson was a $450,000 Magic Millions purchase from Newgate and runs for a syndicate that includes long time stable client Yvonne Smith in whose colours he runs.
Bred by Newgate in partnership with Gooree Stud, Watson is a half-brother to stakes-winner Compelling Truth and is the third winner from four foals to race from Group I ATC Flight Stakes winner Speak Fondly.
Newgate sold a yearling filly by Extreme Choice from Speak Fondly at Inglis Easter this year for $1.8million to Shane McGrath Bloodstock / Clinton McDonald Racing and after having a year off in 2024 she was covered by him again at the end of last year.
Capitalist is locked in a thrilling battle with Zoustar and Toronado to be the leading sire of Australian winners and is priced for value compared to his archrivals standing at a fee of $44,000.
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