Snitzel colt Wandjina won his first race impressively in the Australian Turf Club Handicap at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
Wandjina (Snitzel x La Bamba, by Last Tycoon) was unplaced as favourite in the Breeders Plate last October. However he has returned as a better colt especially with blinkers on, winning his first race on Wednesday following a recent 7 length barrier trial victory.
Trained by Gai Waterhouse, the 2YO started the 1000m race at $1.55. The result was never in doubt as Nash Rawiller drove the colt to a 3-1/4 length victory over the fast-finishing first starter Country Warrior ($7), with Aerobar ($20) a long neck away third.
“He’s coming late in the preparation for the Golden Slipper but he’s all brilliance and that’s what you need, you need brilliance,” Waterhouse said.
Bred by Arrowfield Stud, Wandjina was purchased by Dr Edmund Bateman for $1 million in last year’s Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
Wandjina is the eighth winner for Last Tycoon mare La Bamba, whose best offspring include Group I Hong Kong International Sprint winner Inspiration.
A Flying Spur half brother to Wandjina will be offered in the upcoming Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
By Owens Wong
