Chris Waller will win bigger races this year than Wednesday’s second event at Warwick Farm, but the satisfaction derived from his win with Nandina ran beyond a midweek maiden.
A daughter of So You Think, Nandina is out of Catkins, who was an early star for the champion trainer.
The daughter of Dubawi never won at Group 1 level, frustratingly placing five times, but counted five Group 2 wins and as many Group 3 victories among 16 career wins.
The only horse Waller has trained to more wins is Winx (37) and Nandina’s success was the first on debut for any of Catkins five to race, which was particularly pleasing for the trainer.
“Everyone in the stable had a soft spot for Catkins – not only was she the winner of 16 races, but she had the most beautiful temperament,” Waller posted on social media after the win.
“It was wonderful to see one of her daughters salute on debut today at Warwick Farm.
“Well done to the Ingham family who raced Catkins and subsequently bred this lovely filly by So You Think.”
Nandina had six trials across three preparations before her debut and showed the benefit of that grounding when, despite a drifter from $12 to $19, she finished powerfully to run down $1.85 favourite Manukau and score a narrow-but-impressive win under Kerrin Mcevoy.
“Obviously she’s well-bred, we’ve just taken our time with her (and) her mum was the same,” Waller told Sky Racing post-race.
“(She’s got) big shoes to fill, but she’s on her way.”
Close-up third behind Nandina was stablemate Lipstick, with James McDonald in the saddle at his first meeting back in Sydney since Golden Eagle Day, and the champion rider played his part in Waller’s second winner for the day, Man Of Worth.
The imported Sea The Stars gelding cruised home by two lengths in the 1600m BM72, making it back-to-back wins after a maiden victory at Randwick on Boxing Day and is destined for bigger things according to the star hoop.
“He’s lovely and progressive, he gives you a great feel, he’s got a great turn of foot and he’ll probably stay a bit further too, so he’s in for a bright future,” McDonald said.
Man Of Worth was McDonald’s only winner for the day and he remains six wins astern Zac Lloyd in the race for the Sydney Jockeys’ Premiership after Lloyd brought up his 41st winner for the season in the final event aboard Copacabana.
