Derby Contender for So You Think

Tara Madgwick - Saturday April 21
Progressive So You Think three year-old Higher Ground is set to make his mark on the upcoming Brisbane Winter Carnival following a tenacious win in the Group III ATC Frank Packer Plate at Randwick on Saturday.



Prepared by Chris Waller, Higher Ground outgunned his stablemate Tangled, who was coming off a last start third in the Group I ATC Australian Derby.

Higher Ground returns for Glyn SchofieldHe won the 2000 metre staying test by a nose taking his overall record to four wins and two placings from eight starts with prizemoney topping $200,000.

"I like the So You Thinks," said Chris Waller, who indicated the Queensland Derby would be the winter goal for Higher Ground.

"They suit my style of training. He was a deadset superstar and to get some of his progeny is pretty special.

"A big key in horses longevity is not pushing them and as you can see they start developing late in life."

A $210,000 Magic Millions purchase for Debbie Kepitis' Woppitt Bloodstock from the Newhaven Park draft, Higher Ground is the first winner for Dark Vision, a winning daughter of Encosta de Lago from the family of Group I winners Bonneval, Champagne and St Reims.

Given his pedigree, once can't help but think Higher Ground can be a real force when he gets to Queensland.

Higher Ground is the 11th stakes-winner for So You Think, who will stand at Coolmore a fee of $44,000 this spring.


Advertisment
More Reading...
Alabama Lass Primed for G1 Moir
Tackling Group Ones on either side of the Tasman is nothing new for Ken and Bev Kelso, and they will do exactly that this weekend.
River (Banking) on Dalasan
There are any number of reasons a stallion can go radio silent in their third and fourth seasons at stud.
NZB Filly of the Year Series Springs to Life with Gold Trail Stakes
One of the traditional signs that spring racing has arrived in New Zealand is the running of the first leg of the NZB Filly of the Year Series, the Group Three Gold Trail Stakes (1200m). The $150,000 race looks a little different this year in a temporary new home, but it will still give us that same first look at the latest crop of fillies vying for the coveted title.
Debut Winner and Welcome Return
Vinery Stud’s Exceedance produced a debut winner at Moe on Thursday that started as a short priced favourite and on Saturday at Randwick we will see the return of his best performer to date.
Sires With Winners - Thursday September 4
Here is the full list of 27 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Melbourne Cup Ciaron Maher Stable Also in the Hunt
Earlier this week we ran a story on the Chris Waller trained entries for this year’s Melbourne Cup and today we’re taking a look at the trainer with the next biggest number of contenders and that is Ciaron Maher with 13.
Grail Seeker Chasing Another G1
Top quality performer Grail Seeker will be heading in a new direction on Saturday when she attempts to add to her record at the highest level.
Sunlight’s Sister Clean Energy Retired
The most expensive yearling filly sold in Australia in 2023 when fetching $2.6million for Widden Stud at Inglis Easter, Clean Energy has been retired to stud.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday September 3
Here is the full list of 41 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Corumbene Stud Mourn Loss of Treasured Mare
Corumbene Stud took to Instagram earlier today to announce the passing of their much loved broodmare Bahia, the dam of Golden Slipper winner Overreach.