Only Words joins champion trainer

Shaun McKay guides Only Words to victory at Wanganui Photo: Race Images – Grant Matthew

Stakes winning three-year-old filly Only Words (NZ) (Sweynesse) has been purchased by Chris Waller Racing in conjunction with Star Thoroughbreds and will join the Sydney stable of the champion trainer in early October.

Only Words provided her Te Awamutu trainer Clint Isdale with the biggest victory of his fledgling training career after taking out the Listed HS Dyke Wanganui Guineas (1200m) earlier this month. 

Isdale has long had a good opinion of the filly, who raced in strong company as a two-year-old and kicked off her three-year-old campaign with a fresh-up victory at Taupo, defeating subsequent winner Sheeza Jakkal.

Only Words has had two wins and a minor placing from six career starts for Isdale.

“With a black-type victory already on her record, we can target similar races for three-year-old fillies to further maximise her earning potential and value as a broodmare,” Waller said.

“Her sire, Sweynesse, who currently stands at Novara Park, was a multiple Group winner between 1400m and 1800m and was also a multiple Group One placegtter.

“Earlier this year he was crowned New Zealand’s Champion First Season Sire.”

Isdale, who is originally from Australia, worked for Waller in his formative years.

“Clint was a former employee and he has managed her very well during her early career,” Waller said.

Only Words had been rated an $18 chance for the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm 48th New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m).