Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
Written by Jess Owers
G1 Caulfield Guineas winner Mighty Boss (Not A Single Doubt) passed away in July 2019, but his name popped up at Randwick on Wednesday when three-quarter brother Coastwatch (Fastnet Rock) won the 2-year-old maiden event on the Kensington surface.
The Ghaiyyath New To Darley Plate, over a Soft 7 and 1400 metres, featured a few experienced juveniles, and it produced a dazzling finish, with Coastwatch only just getting the better of Gin Martini (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) and Maurice’s Medad (Maurice {Jpn}) in a blanket finish.
The margins were a nose and a long head between the first three, with jockey James McDonald just getting Coastwatch home for his first win in four lifetime starts. The bay colt, in ownership that includes Coolmore and Chris Waller Racing, had a previous best result of third at Warwick Farm in December.
“He’s a decent horse,” said trainer Chris Waller post-race. “I know he’s only won a mid-week today, but I like the way he did it. It was a good finish, and it was a nice ride from James who managed to bounce him out and utilise his draw (barrier four).”
“I know he’s only won a mid-week today, but I like the way he did it.” - Chris Waller
Waller said Coastwatch had come back this side of the season a different horse.
“Last preparation he was really excitable, and he was worrying about everything else but being a racehorse,” the trainer said. “He felt the pinch in his last start (when he was last of eight), but he’s come back a completely different horse. It’s amazing how much these 2-year-olds can change.”
Coastwatch | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
Despite the tight squeeze at the end, McDonald said the race was smooth sailing.
“He’s had the blinkers off and visor on, which was a good move,” the jockey said. “He’s been able to see them coming, albeit he needs the blinkers to keep himself focused, being a Fastnet Rock colt. But he’s a beautiful horse and, the further he goes, he’ll cope with whatever is put in front of him.”
Pedigree on the Easter up
Coastwatch was the most expensive yearling graduate in Wednesday’s field, with a price tag of $750,000 at the 2020 Australian Inglis Easter Yearling Sale. He was sold by Coolmore Stud to Mulcaster Bloodstock, the eighth foal from broodmare Bullion Mansion (Encosta De Lago).
Coastwatch as a yearling
The mare has been a handy producer for Coolmore, which purchased her at the Teeley Assets reduction Sale in May 2014 for $160,000. Coastwatch’s Pierro half-brother will sell at the upcoming Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, supplying a handy pedigree boost to Lot 228.
Coastwatch became the sixth juvenile city winner for Fastnet Rock this season alone, the Champion Sire producing the likes of O’President, winner of the G2 Skyline S. last month, million-dollar Golden Gift winner Sneaky Five and Listed winner Acrobat.
Supporting act
The Heineken H. at Kensington on Wednesday also produced a worthy winner in the Gary and John Moore-trained Petronius (Redoute’s Choice), who was winless since May last year. The 4-year-old gelding was strong in the race, landing the result by 0.5l to Safado (Lonhro) and Napoleon Solo (Uncle Mo {USA}).
Petronius (yellow silks) | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
Petronius, raced in the Arrowfield silks, was among the likes of Global Quest (More Than Ready {USA}) and Julian Rock (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), and it proved win number three for the horse in 13 starts.
Incredibly well-bred as he is, from the Tale Of The Cat (USA) mare Cat By The Tale (USA), Petronius was a million-dollar yearling at the 2018 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
