Hallmark Stud graduate So You Win (So You Think) is perfectly named, with the seven-year-old gelding recording his ninth career success when landing his first stakes race, the Listed January Cup (2000m) at Rosehill when coming with a well-timed run under Sam Clipperton.
The Chris Waller-trained galloper has been a model of consistency for connections and has amassed a whopping A$885,765 in prizemoney, with a stint racing from Waller’s Queensland barn credited with keeping the veteran on his game.
“We sent him to Queensland just to get that confidence back into him and a change of scenery,” stable representative Damien Fitton said.
“It works really well with older geldings, then bring them back down when they’ve got that confidence and they’re in a bit better form.
“That’s pleasing to see, he’s been a very consistent gelding for the owners and the stable. It’s great to get that win on the board.”
It became a two-horse battle over the concluding stages and stablemate Mubariz looked like holding off So You Win, but the latter prevailed under strong urgings from Sam Clipperton.
“At the 300m I thought Mubariz was going to keep going but then once Sam really got stuck into So You Win I could see he was going to run over the top of him. He just knows how to get to the post,” Fitton said.
“Mubariz was very game in defeat as well, he’s knocking on the door and a win won’t be too far around the corner for him.”
As to what’s next for the winner, Fitton was happy to continue on a similar path.
“We’ll just continue to find these cup races for him, like the Australia Day Cup,” Fitton said.
“Group 3, Listed that’s his level. It’s more so spacing his runs and keeping him happy and interested.”
“He’s in really good form and he’s very fresh and loving his work at home.”
Purchased by Chris Waller Racing for $220,000 at the 2016 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, So You Win has also placed on 14 occasions from his 46 starts.
Earlier on the program, O’Mudgee (NZ) (Sacred Falls) formed part of a quinella for the in-form Bjorn Baker stable when charging home from last to down stablemate Canasta (Makfi) to win over 1500m.
Ridden by apprentice Reece Jones, the five-year-old relished the strong tempo.
“Mr Baker has done a really good job. The change of tactics has done the world of good for him today and I am really grateful to get the opportunity,” Jones said.
Bred by Dr Chris Phillips, O’Mudgee is a half-brother to the Listed Singapore Derby winner Jupiter Gold with their dam the More Than Ready mare Contented.
She is from the family of the former Champion Sprinter, cult figure and multiple Group 1 winner Takeover Target.
O’Mudgee was purchased by Bjorn Baker for $140,000 from the 2018 Waikato Stud Book 1 draft at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales. He has now won A$232,495 in prizemoney, with six wins and seven placings from 24 starts to date.
