James McDonald has served another reminder of why he is Sydney’s dominant jockey with an outstanding effort to lift Congressman over the line in the opening race at Wyong.
The Snitzel colt was under vigorous riding approaching the home turn in Wednesday’s Tab.com.au Handicap (1350m) as he struggled to sprint with the leaders on the tight-turning circuit.
However, under the persistent urgings of McDonald, Congressman ($2.60) balanced up and responded, diving at Onmalone ($9) in the final bounds to score by a short head.
It might not have been a pretty victory, but trainer Chris Waller’s assistant Charlie Duckworth was happy to take it.
A late lunge from the outside Congressman, sees the 2YO colt break the maiden for @cwallerracing with @mcacajamez on board! 👏 pic.twitter.com/z3j47WqyU5
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 19, 2025
“He took a while to warm up and really hit the line,” Duckworth told Sky Racing.
“This isn’t necessarily the track that would suit him. I think he’d prefer a longer straight and more of a build-up than what you’re afforded here, but it’s still good to get the job done.”
A $575,000 Inglis Easter Yearling purchase, Congressman is raced by Coolmore and was having his second start after finishing third to subsequent Black Opal Stakes winner King Of Pop at Warwick Farm last month.
He holds an entry for the Group 1 Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on April 5 but whatever he does as a two-year-old, Duckworth says Congressman will be better again next season.
“He will be a beautiful miler as a three-year-old,” he said.
“Where we go from here is up to Chris and the team, but nice to get the job done on the second time of asking.”
Well-related three-year-old Olufsen began his career on a promising note a race later with a determined win in the Beaveroo Plate (1100m).
Trained by Bjorn Baker, Olufsen is a brother to Group 1 winner Ozzmosis and like that horse, competes in the navy and white colours of syndicators Darby Racing.
“He is a full brother to Ozzmosis so he is an exciting-bred horse,” Baker’s racing manager Luke Hilton said.
“He took a little bit longer to get going than we’d hoped but he put a performance together today and there is more upside to come.”
