Placed in the Group I New Zealand Derby behind Willydoit, talented young stayer Golden Century has been long overdue to break through for a maiden win and he got the job done at Canterbury on Wednesday.
A recent addition to the Chris Waller stable having started his racing career in New Zealand, Golden Century placed at his first two starts for the new stable so had race fitness on his side stepping up to 1900m and the services of James Mcdonald.
He started a short priced favourite and won as expected, scoring by more than two lengths in the deteriorating conditions.
Golden Century holds entries for a number of staying features including the Melbourne Cup, so stable representative Charlie Duckworth is hopeful the gelding can progress from here.
“He got the maiden tag off his back now, and obviously we hope he can now go on with the job,” said Duckworth.
“He's nominated in some lofty races, so hopefully we can get him towards the Metropolitan (G1) he’ll take some good confidence from today's win.”
A $200,000 Karaka Book 1 purchase from Pencarrow Stud for Riversley Park, he was pinhooked into the Ready to Run Sale where he was passed in, but was later sold later to OTI Racing.
Golden Century is the second winner from Breeze (IRE), a winning blueblood Sea the Stars mare from Group II winner Kitty Matcham, whose dam is Champion European 3YO Filly Imagine.
Golden Century looms as a future stakes-winner for Pierro, who stands at the value fee of $33,000 at Coolmore this spring.
