One to Watch – Ballarat

Tara Madgwick - Thursday October 17

This three year-old son of Trapeze Artist was a popular winner at Ballarat on Thursday going two for two to the great delight of his trainer Charlotte Littlefield and his big group of happy owners.

Big Swinger bolts in at Ballarat - image Pat Scala / Racing Photos

Big Swinger won on debut at Ballarat last month over 1200m with Craig Williams in the saddle and he was keen to stick with the t alented gelding for his second start over the same course in a Class 1.

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The result was the same, but even better with Big Swinger opening up to win by nearly four lengths as a short priced favourite.

“I was confident leading up to the race as I knew we had a good horse and he’s come on so well from the first up run,” said Charlotte Littlefield.

“He still showed a little bit of greenness in that running, so there is plenty more to come from him. It’s just a big relief to get that second win on the board with him.

“They’re only three once and when they win like that you probably have to come to town and this time of year and there are a couple of nice options.”

The Group I VRC Coolmore Stud Stakes over 1200m at Flemington is a possibility with Littlefield and her owners set to weigh up those options after consultation with Craig Williams.

Big Swinger has plenty of happy owners - image Pat Scala/ Racing Photos

A $180,000 Magic Millions purchase from Arrowfield Stud for Hayfields Racing/Intel Bloodstock, Big Swinger is a three-quarter brother to multiple Group winner Sylvia’s Mother. He is the fourth winner from five to race from metro winning Bel Esprit mare Found The One, a full sister to Group I winner Bel Mer, the dam of this season’s Group III ATC Gimcrack Stakes winner Bel Merci.

Trapeze Artist is the leading third crop sire by winners and had a double on Thursday with Trapeze Pleasure also successful at Hawkesbury. He stands at Widden this spring at a fee of $55,000.

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Race Result - Hertz Hcp (C1) 1200m

Ballarat Track: Good(4) Time: 1:13.02
1
Big Swinger
- 3g Trapeze Artist (AUS) x Found The One (AUS) (Bel Esprit (AUS))
Tnr: Charlotte Littlefield Rdr: Craig Williams 57
2
3.8
Treat Him Right
- 3g Written By (AUS) x Reciprocity (AUS) (Show A Heart (AUS))
Tnr: Matthew Cumani Rdr: E J Walsh 56.5
3
7
Flying Knee
- 5g Rubick (AUS) x I'm A Flying Star (AUS) (Starcraft (NZ))
Tnr: Reece Goodwin Rdr: Beau Mertens 55.5
4
9.8
Porter
- 4g So You Think (NZ) x Prana (FR) (Siyouni (FR))
Tnr: D T O'Brien Rdr: Ben Allen 58
5
12.8
Wild Pharaoh
- 3f American Pharoah (USA) x Wild Horizon (AUS) (Fastnet Rock (AUS))
Tnr: M, W & J Hawkes Rdr: H Coffey 55
6
15.3
Book Launch
- 7g Smart Missile (AUS) x Novel Dancer (AUS) (Written Tycoon (AUS))
Tnr: J G McArthur Rdr: Tayla Childs 54
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