Following his win in the Group II Theo Marks Stakes at Rosehill on August 12, Wild Planet did not have much luck when midfield in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap at Randwick as he most recent start.
The five-year-old son of Animal Kingdom (USA) was back on top of his game when taking a step back in grade in Saturdays Group III Neds Moonga Stakes (1400m) at Caufield.
With Hugh Bowman in the saddle, the Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes-trained gelding hooked up in a stirring duel with the five-year-old Snitzel entire Morrissy who fell a half-head short of a major upset.
Fifty Stars (IRE) (Sea The Stars) was two and a half lengths back in third.
“He ran well in the Epsom, he got a lot further back than what we thought. Today he was three back on the fence from a good barrier and Hugh just took his time, smoking his pipe,” Wayne Hawkes said.
“Hugh Bowman said to me during the week, what you see is what you get, he is a pure racehorse, not the best horse ever but his will to win is amazing.”
Purchased by Hawkes Racing / Andrew Williams Bloodstock for $280,000 out of the Arrowfield draft at the 2017 Australian Easter Yearling Sale, Wild Planet advances his record to six wins, four seconds and two thirds from 19 starts with earnings of $746,650.
Bred by Arrowfield Pastoral and Planette Thoroughbreds,Wild Planet is a half-brother to Waikato Studs Group 1 MRC Caulfield Guineas winner Super Seth (Dundeel).
The son of Animal Kingdom (USA) is out of the Redoute's Choice mare Salutations whose own career on the track was restricted to three starts with a second at Muswellbrook being a career highlight. Salutations is a daughter of Group II winner Toast Of The Coast (Rory's Jester).
After foaling a full-brother to Super Seth last spring, Salutations was bred back to Dundeel.
After four seasons shuttling to Arrowfield Stud, Kentucky Derby hero Animal Kingdom (USA) was sold last year to stand in Japan.
