breednet.com.au

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...
Stampede Runs Then Into The Ground in Colin Stephen
Stampede has been out of the winner’s circle since October last year but when the son of High Chaparral (IRE) is gifted an easy run in front, as he did in Saturday’s Group III Colin Stephen Stakes (2400m) at Randwick, he proves very difficult to get by.
Big Payday for High Chaparral's A Man To Match
No black-type but a Group 1 prize for the connections of the High Chaparral (IRE) gelding A Man To Match who not only pocketed the $145,000 winners cheque as the inaugural winner of the $250,000 The Tab Wave (1800m) at the Gold Coast but had it topped off with another $200,000 for being a Magic Millions graduate.
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.
Kiwi Raider Pier Upbeat Ahead of Epsom
Co-trainer and part-owner Darryn Weatherley is taking a glass half full approach ahead of Saturday’s Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) after he came up with an awkward wide gate for Pier.
She's Unusual Keeps Good Times Rolling
Continued success with resident stallion Unusual Suspect and their racing team has kept Nigel and Adaire Auret busier than they may have envisaged, but without any complaints.
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.
2025 G1 Epsom Handicap Field and Barrier Draw
The field and barrier draw has been decided for the Group I Epsom Handicap on Saturday with odds-on favourite and unbeaten mare Autumn Glow drawing the extreme outside gate in a field of 14.
2025 G1 The Metropolitan Field and Barrier Draw
Chris Waller and Ciaron Maher are set to have half of the Group I Metropolitan field between them with the Waller trained Birdman an easing favourite after drawing a wide gate for Saturday’s race.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday September 30
Here is the full list of 27 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Equimillion This Long Weekend – Draws and Start Lists
Racing NSW have their annual Equimillion event coming up this long weekend at Sydney International Equestrian Centre at Horsley Park and for people interested in off the trackers it’s a showcase for the sport, so let’s take a look at who’s who in the zoo.