Thinkin’ Big Following in the Footsteps of Nothin’ Leica Dane

Media Release - Saturday October 20
The last crop of foals by ill-fated Epsom Derby winner High Chaparral (IRE) are three year-olds and they may provide a fitting finale to a wonderful stud career with the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained colt Thinkin' Big now favourite for the Victoria Derby following an outstanding win in the Group III MRC Caulfield Classic on Saturday.



A full brother to Group III winner Stampede, Think' Big was an unlucky third at his last run in the Group I ATC Spring Champion Stakes, but more than made amends in this 2000 metre assignment.

Thinkin' Big - images Grant CourtneyPerfectly rated in front by Tim Clark, he powered away from his overmatched rivals to win as he pleased by a widening three lengths taking his overall record to four wins from six starts with prizemoney in excess of $480,000.

"He's a lovely horse," said Tim Clark.

"He's so easy to do anything with and for his first go at Caulfield he handled it so well. His attitude is his best attribute, he just wants to work with you."

Thinkin' Big was bred and retained to race by Peter Dunn of Dodmark Thoroughbreds and was foaled at Coolmore.

He still holds an entry for the Melbourne Cup with his co-trainer Gai Waterhouse keen to wait and see how he comes out of this race before making any decisions.

"He'll stay all day," she said.

"On his dam's side he's from the family of Nothin' Leica Dane and he is so much like him."

Waterhouse trained Nothin' Leica Dane to win the Caulfield Classic (Norman Robinson Stakes) in 1995 before he went on to win the Victoria Derby and then finish second in the Melbourne Cup won by Doriemus.

Thinkin' Big is the second winner for classy Tale of the Cat (USA) staying filly Nothin Leica Cat, who was second in the Group I BRC Queensland Oak and is from a half-sister to Group II winner I Am a Ripper.

Nothin' Leica Cat has a yearling filly by So You Think and has foaled this spring producing a colt by American Pharoah (USA).



Advertisment
More Reading...
Anders 3YO Bright Future
An $80,000 NZB Ready to Run purchase for Cumani Racing last year, Anders gelding Single Choice is working towards repaying his purchase price after recording his second win from just four starts at Bendigo on Wednesday.
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.
Official Sydney 2YO Trials – Sale Mail
We know spring is really here when the official Sydney 2YO barrier trials arrive and at Randwick next Monday on the Kensington track we will see nine heats over 850m starting at 9am, read on to see full Sale Mail for all heats.
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.
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.
One to Watch – Kembla
A half-brother to Group I winning sprinter and $2.1million earner Benedetta, King’s Legacy colt Whatalegacy made it two wins in as many starts when he scorched the turf at Kembla on Thursday.
Tajana Ready for G3 Sunline Vase
Fresh is best for top quality three-year-old Tajana who has thrived since her impressive return to competition last month.
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.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday September 17
Here is the full list of 34 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Sires With Winners - Thursday September 18
Here is the full list of 26 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.