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...
Who Do You Pick? Star Mares of Tomorrow
In chatting with our guest Jim Clarke this week on our Tara Talks Racing podcast we discussed a topic that will no doubt spark plenty of interest from our audience, if you could have one three year-old filly to take forward and race next season at four, who would it be?
Almanzor Mare Benefits from Maturity
Time was always going to benefit Mehzebeen and the Almanzor mare continues to emphasise that in her five-year-old season.
Kiwi Sprint Star Crocetti Arrives in Perth
Kiwi Group One-winning sprinter Crocetti has landed in Perth ahead of next week’s A$5 million The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot Racecourse.
Yes Yes Yes It’s Been a Big Week for Kate Nivison!
This time last week passionate owner breeder Kate Nivison was basking in the success of having bred and sold a $1.7million Extreme Choice colt at Inglis Easter and today she was enjoying a different sort of success as a winning owner at Kembla.
FBAA Professional Development Day- Food for Thought
The Federation of Bloodstock Agents Australia’s third Continued Professional Development Day was again held at Randwick Racecourse on Tuesday 8th April 2025 and was hosted by MC Vin Cox.
One to Watch – Kembla
The juvenile maiden at Kembla on Tuesday was an intriguing affair featuring a number of well-bred and very expensive colts on debut, but the winner was a stylish first starter filly by Capitalist that broke 56 seconds for her debut win.
Belclare Seeking to Find Best Form Back in Australia
Dual Group One winner Belclare’s return home for a three-race campaign didn’t go to plan earlier this year, and now she is back on the other side of the Tasman to try and get her preparation back on track.
Arrowfield Announce 2025 Fees
In the wake of his third Golden Slipper winner and his career-best yearling sale results, multiple Champion Sire Snitzel heads the 2025 Arrowfield stallion roster at an unchanged fee of $247,500, while Castelvecchio has earned a deserved fee increase.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday April 15
Here is the full list of 27 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
El Vencedor Primed for Hong Kong
It is full steam ahead for the connections of El Vencedor, as the star galloper jets off to Hong Kong on Thursday in preparation for the Gr.1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on April 27.