Champion Stakes and Victoria Derby on the Radar for Thinkin' Big

Mark Smith - Saturday September 22

Three outstanding sons of High Chaparral (IRE), So You Think, Dundeel and Ace High announced themselves in the Group III Gloaming Stakes (1800m) and the future looks bright for High Chaparral's fourth winner of the race, Thinkin' Big.

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained colt was making his first start in two months at Rosehill on Saturday. Taken to the front by Tim Clark, Thinkin' Big was made to work early as Irukandji and Tavirun made sure there was some pace put into the race.

Advertisement


Thinkin' Big dropped those two in the straight and easily held the challenge of the favourite Tarka (All Too Hard) by two and a half lengths with Irukandji (Dundeel) back in third. (photos Steve Hart). 

"He's a lovely colt with a great attitude and is a pleasure to ride," Clark said.

Adrian Bott has big ambitions for the handsome colt

"He's a very professional colt and a really exciting horse for us going forward," Bott said.

"There was a little it more pressure early in the race than we expected but it was good to see him come back under Tim when he asked him. He got some beautiful sectionals midrace he got into a lovely rhythm and he showed a beautiful turn of foot when asked

'He'll back up in two weeks time in the (Group 1) Champion Stakes in a fortnight then it's on to Melbourne for the (Victoria) Derby."

It was the third win from four starts for Thinkin' Big advancing is earnings to $228,345.

A homebred for Dodmark Thoroughbreds, Thinkin' Big is a full-brother to Group III winner Stampede.

He is the third foal of the Group 1 Queensland Oaks runner-up Nothin' Leica Cat (Tale of the Cat) whose dam Nothin' Leica Ripa (Nothin' Leica Dane) is an unraced half-sister to dual Group II winner I Am A Ripper and to the dam of boom colt Murphy's Blu Boy.

Dodmark purchased Nothin' Leica Cat for $150,000 at the 2007 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

She has a 2yo colt by So You Think named Just Thinkin' and a yearling filly by the same sire.

Last spring Nothin' Leica Cat was covered by the Triple Crown hero American Pharoah (USA).

From the final crop of High Chaparral (IRE), Thinkin' Big becomes the 120th stakes-winner for sadly missed son of Sadler's Wells.

Advertisment
More Reading...
G3 Bendigo Cup Success For Australian Bloodstock Owned Sayedaty Sadaty
Ciaron Maher and Australian Bloodstock teamed up on Wednesday to win the $500,000 Group 3 Bendigo Cup (2400m) with 5yo gelding Sayedaty Sadaty (IRE), who will now need a weight penalty to force his way into the $10m Group 1 VRC Melbourne Cup (3200m).
Kiwi Bred Evaporate on Track for Golden Eagle
New Zealand-bred gelding Evaporate will be seeking to pick up the biggest cheque of his career when he heads to Randwick on Saturday to contest the A$10 million Golden Eagle (1500m).
Oaks Winner Strikes Form at Valley
Quality High Chaparral (IRE) mare Princess Jenni won the Group I SAJC Australasian Oaks last season at just her sixth start and showed she will be a force this spring when capturing the Group II MVRC Stocks Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
Dream Comes True for Kiwi Owner Breeders
Heather and Peter Crofskey are pinching themselves as they prepare to hop on a flight to Melbourne to watch their pride and joy Leica Lucy contest Saturday’s Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.
Vin Cox to Join Forces with Star Thoroughbreds
Leading Australian syndicator Star Thoroughbreds has announced it will be partnering with Vin Cox for the 2026 yearling sales season.
Long Legs Strides Clear At Rosehill
Coming out on top in Wednesday’s $100,000 ATC Tab Plate (1400m) at Rosehill, the Gary Portelli trained 3yo Russian Revolution filly Long Legs broke her maiden in the style of a filly destined for bigger and better races.
Karaka Millions and NZB Kiwi Opportunities in Ready to Run Sale
More than ever before, horses bought from the NZB Ready to Run Sale at Karaka will be eligible to compete for significant prize-money within 18 months of their purchase.
High Chaparral's Mississippi Delta From Last to First in Perth Cup
The late, great Coolmore stallion High Chaparral (IRE) may have celebrated more prestigious wins in his glittering career but Saturday was a real financial windfall for the son of Sadler’s Wells.
Toronado Winner Sign of Things to Come
So You Think and Dundeel have set a high standard for sire sons of the late Epsom Derby winner High Chaparral (IRE) with Swettenham Stud’s Toronado (IRE) also showing the promise of good things to come after making a strong start to the new season with his fifth winner since August 1 at Sale on Thursday.
Mare in Foal to Home Affairs Tops MM Digital at $350,000
Impeccably related mare Taste of Heaven topped the first Magic Millions Digital Sale conducted today.