Talented Kiwi-bred galloper Grand Impact was back in the winner’s circle after an all-the-way victory in the Domeland Benchmark 100 Handicap (1350m) at the Wyong standalone meeting on Saturday.
Ridden by Winona Costin, Grand Impact had a relatively soft lead and kicked well off the bend to deny Coastwatch by three-quarters of a length, with Strait Acer third.
Prepared by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, connections of Grand Impact were rewarded for their patience with the now five-year-old, having last saluted in the Gr.3 Blue Sapphire Stakes (1200m) in October 2022.
Grand Impact looked to be one of Melbourne's better three-year-olds after he won his first three starts, including the Blue Sapphire prior to finishing 12th in the Gr.1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) behind In Secret.
Preparing for a return the following autumn, Grand Impact was continually plagued by soreness and eventually an OCD (osteochondritis dissecans) in a shoulder was identified as the issue, where a lesion of cartilage flakes off.
That resulted in Grand Impact having 16 months away from racing before a sub-par preparation last Autumn.
The decision was made to geld Grand Impact and solid performances have ensued before Saturday’s all-the-way win.
"It was never in doubt," stable representative Tim Suttie said.
"She jumped cleanly, stacked them up and kicked on the bend.
"Michael Kent said he was in great order so sent him up well. He's flying."
Grand Impact was given the perfect run by Costin and carried the luxury weight of 52kgs.
"He gave such a great kick," Costin said. “I didn't get stuck right into him. It was quite soft.
"It was great to get a ride for Mick and Michael and a win, it was very important for me."
Price and Kent Jnr have recently opened a Rosehill to have a greater Sydney presence.
Bred by Ross and Corrine Kearney’s Okaharau Station, Grand Impact is by outstanding young Rich Hill Stud stallion Satono Aladdin out of the Swiss Ace mare Serena Slam.
Grand Impact was initially trained in New Zealand by Stephanie Tierney for whom he had two trials, winning over 800m at Ellerslie before his sale to Australia.
Satono Aladdin is well represented at the forthcoming New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales with 57 yearlings across Book 1 (Jan 26-28) and Book 2 (Jan 29-30). – NZ Racing Desk
