Champion trainer Chris Waller continues to strengthen his Golden Slipper arsenal, producing undefeated youngster Fireball for a stylish first victory in the $2 million Inglis Millennium at Randwick.
Pinned after scoring on debut at Rosehill in November, James Harron’s colt and $4.60 favorite came out to deny Ghana’s Akan ($17) by half a length, while Alibaba ($26) was still a head away from third.
Waller said the most impressive part of Saturday’s win was the fact that Fireball did it on sheer strength and was still ahead of his best.
“He’s going to get stronger, and he’s going to get faster. He’s got the frame, he’s bred well,” Waller said of Snitzel’s son.
“He’s not excited to come today. He wasn’t even going to run unless he pulled a nice barrier. I was more than happy to wait and just bide our time.”
Waller also has Canonbury Stakes winner Hidrix heading into the $5 million Golden Slipper (1200m) and with that youngster likely to make his next start in the Silver Slipper (1100m) on February 21, Waller is keen to keep the two stallions apart.
He will find a new lead for Fireball, which he believes has the potential to develop into a serious contender for the youth showpiece.
“We’re starting to work them out, and that’s good,” Waller said.
“The Silver Slipper is coming in two weeks and we’re in no rush. We’ve got a few studs, we can sit back now and split up a bit. I think 1200m will suit him better, so one of those (1200m) is coming.”
McDonald credited Waller and his team with putting their faith in Fireball, who he thought had struggled to cope with the pressure of a big field at the Inglis Millennium (1100 metres).
“I’ve been saying to Chris all week that the colt is a bit of a ‘dummy’ and I wasn’t sure he was ready for a test like this,” McDonald said.
“But big credit to Chris, he had confidence in the colt and said: ‘He’s a very nice horse, as you’ll see when he’s put under pressure’.
“He was put under pressure today and we saw how well he responded.”
Craig Newitt was delighted with the performance of Blue Diamond Preview winner Alibaba, who made his Sydney debut and attacked the line with verve.
“He was incredible. The whole race in Melbourne,” Newitt said.
“We were stuck in traffic and he crossed the line. He is a real Group 1 colt.”
*Existing customers only. 2nd race bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Responsible gambling.
What are you willing to lose today?
Set a deposit limit.
#Fireball #explodes #win #Inglis #Millennium #horse #racing