Cover image courtesy of Michael McInally
The Waterhouse and Bott-prepared Converge followed the winning lead of stablemate Knights Order (Ire) (So You Think {NZ}), who had earlier run his rivals ragged to win the G2 Brisbane Cup, to steamroll his Atkins opposition.
Sharing in the glory was jockey Tom Clark who guided the fortunes of the stablemates so expertly.
The well-related Converge delivered an 11th Group 1 title for his Tulloch Lodge trainers with an effort on Saturday that left no excuses for the beaten brigade.
Adding to the celebrations was the fact that Converge was bred by Evergreen Rich, which is managed by Bott’s father Tony.
“It was fantastic to watch and obviously we came here hoping to see a performance like that. It was such a great run from him in the Sires' and we thought it was just a matter of holding him together and keeping him up to the mark for just one more run,” Adrian Bott said.
“It was fantastic to watch and obviously we came here hoping to see a performance like that.” – Adrian Bott
Converge had proven himself at 1600 metres in April when he was victorious in the Listed Fernhill at Randwick and returned there next time out to finish third in the G1 Champagne S.
He was then freshened and off a trial came from a mile back, off a horror gate, to run second in the G2 BRC Sires’ Produce S.
“The draw was key and we got all the favours in the run throughout. He has showed great improvement every time he has stepped out and is such a genuine horse. He’s not the biggest horse in the stable by any means, but he’s got the biggest heart,” Bott said.
Converge kept the leaders within sight when he settled one off the fence before he strode to the front 300 metres from home for Clark and from there it was game, set and match.
Tim Clark (middle) and Adrian Bott (right) | Image courtesy of Michael McInally
“He is one of the most honest horses we’ve got and he’s got an explosive turn of foot to go with it,” Bott said.
“He (Converge) is one of the most honest horses we’ve got and he’s got an explosive turn of foot to go with it.” – Adrian Bott
Converge is a son of the Shamardal (USA) mare Conversely (Ire) and she is a daughter of the G3 Belmont Sands Point S. winner Melhor Ainda (USA) (Pulpit {USA}).
It is a family rich in black type and includes the Champion Argentinian filly and Group 1 winner Potrizaris (Arg) (Porillazo {Arg}), who produced the Japanese Group 3 winner Dia De La Novia (Jpn) (Sunday Silence {USA}).
She was a treasured broodmare and is the dam of stakes winners Dreadnoughtus (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}) and his brother San Martin (Jpn) and Dia De La Madre (Jpn) (King Kamehamea {Jpn}), and her brother Dia Del Rey (Jpn).
While Converge boasts a colourful and successful background, he won’t be an influence in the years to come as he is a gelding.
“We made that decision early and I honestly believe that has been the making of the horse. The owners love their racing and have been fantastic supporters of mine and given me these opportunities,” Bott said.
“I am able to stand here with Gai in partnership and am glad to reward them with a big Group 1 victory.”
Tim Clark blows a kiss as he crosses the line to win the G1 Treasury Brisbane JJ Atkins aboard Converge | Image courtesy of Michael McInally
Future looking good
Converge’s pedigree boasts both quality sprinting and staying influences, which bodes well for next season.
“We can go home and dream what could be possible for his 3-year-old career. The way he settles in his races, he has the scope to improve further and that certainly opens up a lot more options going forward,” Bott said.
“If he continues to develop physically and improves we certainly have got a lot to look forward to.”
Converge raced to Atkins glory by 3.75l from Giannis (Flying Artie) with the Sires’ Produce S. winner Tiger Of Malay (Extreme Choice) third ahead of the sole filly Invisible Tears (Maurice {Jpn}), who got home powerfully from last.
