Warrnambool father and son co-trainers Bill and Symon Wilde landed their biggest success when So Swift scored a surprise win in the Group Two Sandown Guineas thanks to a masterly ride by Craig Williams.
Bill Wilde, who combines being a dentist with training, purchased the Barely A Moment gelding for $40,000 at the Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
So Swift (second from left) winning the Sandown Guineas at Sandown - photo by Race Horse Photos Australia
The key to Saturday’s win was securing top jockey Williams who completed a hat-trick aboard So Swift.
Williams was on his first day back since his well-documented careless riding suspension which cost him the ride on Dunaden who went on to win the Melbourne Cup.
Sent out at $19, So Swift settled midfield but got the bob in right on the line to score by a nose from Niagara ($7) with Galah ($3.60 fav) just a short half-head away third.
“When we drew a good gate (barrier two) and got Craig Williams’ services we thought we’d have a shot at the stumps,” Simon Wilde said.
Wilde contacted Williams’ manager Mark Guest and asked him to get Williams to have a look at the video of So Swift’s runs.
“His Hamilton run was pretty impressive. He picked them up very quickly with a great turn of foot and when Craig Williams has a look at the tape and says he’ll ride him it gives you more confidence,” he said.
So Swift was coming off a first-up win in a Hamilton maiden (1300m) on October 31 but had run fourth to Euryale in the Listed Gibson Carmichael Stakes (1600m) at Flemington in May before going out for a spell.
“He’s a beautiful horse and at the time I don’t think the Barely A Moments were quite fashionable,” Symon Wilde said.
“He was a beautiful walker and at the time I think he was the dearest horse Dad’s ever bought.”
Wilde said his father had an incredible record of buying cheap horses that have been successful on the track.
Dual Group Three Coongy Handicap winner Baughurst, dual Listed Warrnambool Cup winner Hissing Sid and multiple city winner Badger’s Wood all cost $20,000 or less.
Williams dominated the meeting, earlier winning the Listed Written Tycoon Champion Sire Stakes on Maximus Moonard and the Group Three The Alannah and Madeline Foundation Stakes on Under The Eiffel.
He also rode three second placegetters from eight rides at the meeting.
Wilde said So Swift would probably be spelled for the autumn.
AAP TURF
