After battling out the finish in the Group III ATC The Schweppervescence (T L Baillieu Hcp) a fortnight back Williamsburg and Moko duked it out again in Saturday’s Listed Grainshaker Vodka Fernhill Hcp (1600m) at Randwick.
Making light of his top weight of 59kgs under Kerrin McEvoy, the Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained son of Snitzel powered home from last to defeat the Impending filly Moko by one and a quarter lengths with a further three and three-quarter lengths back to the Russian Revolution gelding Russian Roni back in third.
Gerald Ryan said Williamsburg will back up in next weeks Group 1 ATC Champagne Stakes (1600m) if he pulls up without any issues.
“He is tough and cops his racing well, Ryan said.
“When Kerrin first rode him in a trial, he said whatever he does as a 2yo he will be a better 3yo.
“The race at Rosehill (Baillieu Hcp) and this race were the two we were aiming at and he delivered both times.
“If he comes through the race like he has in his last two starts, I’ll have no hesitation in backing him up next week in the Champagne.
‘He is proven on heavy tracks and proven at a mile and he is tough.
“You only get one crack at a Group 1 Champagne for 2yos so we will see how he does and if he bounces back like he has done he will be here.”
A first-up second at Warwick Farm in February, Williamsburg opened his winning account over 1300m at Newcastle a fortnight later.
Tested in Group III company in the Pago Pago Stakes at Rosehill on March 12, the son of Snitzel was beaten less than two lengths when fourth behind Rise Of The Masses.
Bred by Arrowfield Pastoral and GSA Bloodstock, Williamsburg was a $470,000 purchase by Tony Fung Investments from the Arrowfield draft at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.
He is the third foal and second winner for the high-class High Chaparral (IRE) mare Fenway, who won the Group I ATC Vinery Stud Stakes on this day in 2015.
A granddaughter of Joi Denise, Fenway was a $700,000 Easter Yearling.
Tony Fung purchased a sister to Williamsburg from the Arrowfield Stud consignment at the recent Inglis Easter Sale.
Fenway has a weanling filly by I Am Invincible and was covered by Maurice (JPN) last spring.
