Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott may have to wait a little longer before Epsom Derby runner-up Hoo Ya Mal makes his trip to Australia for the Melbourne Cup.
Carrying the colours of Sir Owen Glenn's Go Bloodstock, the 3yo son of Territories (IRE) earned a shot at the Group 1 St Leger at Doncaster after opening his stakes account at Goodwood overnight in the Group III March Stakes (14f).
Ridden by William Buick for George Boughey, Hoo Ya Mal made short work of his three opponents defeating The Queen’s colourbearer Perfect Alibi (Le Havre) by two and a half lengths with a further six lengths back to Animato (Ulysses) in third.
Hoo Ya Mal topped the Goffs London Sale when purchased by Gai Waterhouse, McKeever Bloodstock, Adrian Bott and Go Bloodstock for £1.2 million.
When Buick pulled Hoo Yal up, the son of Territories got rid of a shoe.
"He’s overreached when passing the line and it’s pretty tacky ground, but luckily he’s fine. He lost a shoe and a second one is hanging on," Boughey told Racing Post.
"It was a test stepping up to a mile and six furlongs on ground slower than he's been used to as a three-year-old.
"I slightly worried he might take a keen hold, but he was in good hands with William and it was the perfect trial for the St Leger.
"Stepping up in trip slightly defies his pedigree. William said he doesn't feel like he'll stay but he does. He had the class edge and was expected to win. I just wanted to see him relax and hit the line.
"The main reason for him staying in England for a few months longer was to get some experience, rather than going straight to the Melbourne Cup.
“We’ll let the dust settle. It’s pretty late at night or early in the morning in Australia and I’ll speak to Gai and Adrian on the way home. They’re in charge. The Leger is the logical race for him and he’s a pleasure to have at home.”
A half-brother to the stakes-winning steeplechaser Really Super (Cacique), Hoo Ya Mal is a Meon Valley Stud-bred son of the Montjeu mare Sensationally, a daughter of the Group 1 York International Stakes heroine One So Wonderful (Nashwan).
Hoo Ya Mal is the seventh stakes-winner for former Darley shuttler Territories (IRE).
