Trained by Chris Waller and ridden by James McDonald, Reformist was overlooked
by punters and went to the post at odds of $26, but unleashed a powerful finish
from back in the field to charge home and win the 1300 metre maiden by a head
over the favourite, I Am Invincible gelding Hulk, a full brother to Group I
winner Hellbent."He's a horse that has always shown plenty of ability, but we were thinking about whether he might need gelding although I think we might leave that idea for a bit longer now," said Chris Waller.
"He's a handy horse and while we won't be getting carried away it's the right time of year to have a nice colt in the stable."
Entered for the Group I MRC Caulfield Guineas, Reformist was a $140,000 Inglis Easter purchase for Louis Le Metayer's Astute Bloodstock from the Middlebrook Valley Lodge draft and is the first winner for stakes-winner Siwa Lady, who comes from the family of Champion 2YO and leading sire Pierro as well as Group I winner Laverock. Siwa Lady is also a half-sister to stakes-placed Diamond Oasis, who was also in the winner's circle on Wednesday when saluting at Sandown to rack up his eighth win.
Siwa Lady was a visitor again to Newgate Farm last spring and was covered by Russian Revolution.
Reformist is the ninth first crop winner for Dissident, who stands at Newgate this spring at a fee of $27,500.
