Flying Frenchman
Leading Australian trainer Chris Waller has been impressed with the debut of Go Racing’s Northern Hemisphere stayer Alward (Aqlaam x Sharedah) at Sandown in Melbourne over 1400 metres.
Says Chris, “He was stuck behind a few horses and every time Craig Newitt went looking for a run he just encountered more traffic. He showed he has got plenty of ability and as we step him up over a little bit further next start he should be very hard to beat.”
Racing Manager Albert Bosma was also rapt with the performance, “He has shown us we could have a special horse here. He has never raced that short distance in his life – we only wanted to get him nice and relaxed and improve his fitness. If he can produce that turn of foot over 2000 metres and further he will have a very bright future.” The then three-year-old gelding was bought from the Horses in Training Sale at Newmarket, England last year. He had seven starts in France for one win and three placings and had won €25,000 (roughly $50,000).
Says Albert, “Importing a horse from the Northern Hemisphere is something we have been thinking about for a while and Chris has had considerable success from that sale previously. A good example is McReery running second in the Group One $1 million Emirates Stakes last year. We are very pleased to be able to offer ownership in a Northern Hemisphere stayer – it adds an exciting option for our owners.”
On the strength of this performance, Alward is likely to next race at Sandown over 1800 metres on the 26th of July.