Annus Mirabilis is now a stakes race winner at Flemington
Bought as a potential jumper, Annus Mirabilis is now a stakes race winner at Flemington which may force a rethink on future plans.
Having his fourth start for Caulfield trainer Stuart Webb, Annus Mirabilis added Sunday’s Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m) to his victory at Sandown eight days earlier.
Webb had originally intended to send Annus Mirabilis for a break to get him ready for a jumps career which was to be geared towards a maiden hurdle race at Warrnambool during the May carnival.
But Webb said after those plans were likely to be revisited after the Bagot victory.
Ridden by the in-form Regan Bayliss, Annus Mirabilis was sent out the $3.60 favourite before scoring a 2-1/4 length victory over Anemoi ($21) with Thunder Teddington ($10) three-quarters-of-a-length away third.
“This was an afterthought,” Webb said.
“We thought we’d have that third run in and then go away for a jumps preparation but the way he is racing we may have to readdress where we are heading.”
Webb said Annus Mirabilis would definitely be heading to the water walker for a week or two to freshen up while the trainer and connections discussed racing options.
He said the Adelaide Cup (3200m) at Morphettville in March was now appealing.
“He’s a genuine stayer, so clean winded and an easy horse to train,” Webb said.
“He’s fairly sound and he’ll definitely go to the water walker now for a week or two and then we’ll readdress where we head to after that.
“What I liked today was he went to sleep and was the only horse that was still travelling coming to the corner.
“He took the gap and when he did that I thought the race was never in doubt.”
