Wyndspelle shows class
Donna Logan is struggling to describe just how fulfilling Wyndspelle’s first black type win is.
Logan, who trains in partnership with Chris Gibbs at Ruakaka, said there is no horse more deserving of a major win than her Derby bound Iffraaj colt.
Wyndspelle was a half length winner of the $100,000 Group II Draci Brahma Waikato Guineas (2000m) at Te Rapa yesterday.
‘‘It’s so well deserved, nothing has really fallen into place for him at all, he’s always drawn wide,’’ Logan said.
‘‘He’s not a big horse, but he is as tough as they come.’’
Wyndspelle’s form line was much better than it looked on paper.
Fifth in the 2000 Guineas, Levin Classic and Hawke’s Bay Guineas, Wyndspelle has been racing against the best three-year-old’s in the country.
The draw was a major help, but so was the step up in distance.
‘‘He’s been screaming out to get this trip (2000m) today,’’ Logan said.
She is confident Wyndspelle can see out the Derby distance (2400m).
‘‘I think he will get it. He’s so relaxed in himself so he looks like he would have no problem seeing it out and he can really kick home at the finish.’’
On the back of Saturday’s win, bookmakers have halved the price around Wyndspelle for the $1 million Group I New Zealand Derby (2400m) from $18-$9.
He holds a nomination for next Saturday’s Group I Herbie Dyke Stakes at weight-for-age level but Logan hinted a start is unlikely.
‘‘He seems to have come through it well, but we really just want to get him home and take it from there,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s more so a case of he’ll tell us what he wants to do.’’
Wyndspelle beat home Shocking Luck with a further head back to Lincoln Blue in third.
Wyndspelle’s victory was the biggest step in the return of controversial jockey Jason Waddell who has recently returned to the saddle, following a 12 month disqualification for improper riding.
‘‘The draw obviously helped, but he rode him a treat,’’ Logan said.
Race favourite Hall Of Fame ran home for fifth following a luckless run from his wide draw to finish four lengths behind Wyndspelle.
Traditionally, the Waikato Guineas has been a key form guide towards the Derby, but with the likes of Sacred Elixir ($5), Savile Row ($9) and Camino Rocoso ($6) not in the race, it may not be as reliable as previous years.
Meanwhile, Te Rapa have accepted a late nomination from the Derby nominated, Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained, Jon Snow for next Saturday’s $400,000 Group I Herbie Dyke Stakes at weight-for-age level over 2000m.
Meanwhile, team Te Akau look to have a promising stayer on its hands with Hamilton Cup winner Hushed.
A six-year-old gelding by Don Eduardo, Hushed, in the hands of Opie Bosson, held on, following a strong front running effort, to win by a long neck over race favourite Von Tunzelman.
The Group II Avondale Gold Cup on February 18 (2400m) looks the logical next step and when Bosson labels a horse ‘‘a stayer going places’’ it is always an encouraging sign.
Saturday’s win obviously impressed the TAB bookmakers who slashed his price for the Auckland Cup from $61 to 21.