The second season sires’ premiership received a major shake-up following Saturday’s Group 1 Queensland Derby, with the late Wootton Bassett (GB) surging into second position courtesy of an impressive victory by his talented colt Providence.
The $1 million Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm attracted a capacity field of emerging stayers, but it was the Chris Waller-trained Providence who proved superior, producing a powerful finish to claim the feature in dominant fashion.
Having finished fifth in last spring’s Group 1 Victoria Derby and placed at his previous two starts in the Group 3 Frank Packer Plate and Group 3 Rough Habit Plate, Providence entered the race on an upward trajectory.
One of four runners for the Waller stable, the colt received a perfect ride from champion jockey James McDonald before charging away to defeat stablemate Monopolistic by a length and a half. Both horses race in the colours of Newgate Farm and China Horse Club.
Dundeel colt Inspired Legend filled third position, with the placegetter co-bred by Arrowfield Stud and Jonathan Munz’s GSA Bloodstock.
The success provided Waller with his 201st Group 1 victory.
“The 201st Group 1 is easier than the first one, that’s for sure. Great ride from James and a good team of owners,” Waller said.
“They constantly support racing and have quinellaed the race with two nice stayers with bright futures. We just see Queensland each and every winter as a springboard for a lot of our better horses and these horses are still on the up, so very exciting for connections.”
A $625,000 purchase from Bhima Thoroughbreds at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale by China Horse Club, Newgate Farm, Go Bloodstock and Trilogy Racing, Providence has now won twice and been placed on five occasions from 15 starts, with earnings approaching $1 million.
Bred by GSA Bloodstock, Providence is the first winner from Group 1-placed Fastnet Rock mare Southbank. His pedigree is rich in staying influence, with Southbank being a daughter of Group 3-winning stayer Rezoned, a full sister to four-time Group 1 winner Preferment.
Southbank currently has a yearling filly by Too Darn Hot (GB) and is back in foal to champion sire Zoustar.
The Derby triumph became the 86th stakes winner for Wootton Bassett and importantly his first Australian-bred Group 1 winner.
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