Dubawi's Captain Cook Opens His Ausrtralian Account

Mark Smith - Friday September 27

Previously trained in England by Sir Michael Stoute, Captain Cook (GB) opened his winning account in Australia at his fourth local start in Friday night's Group III JRA Cup at Sandown.

Winner of the Group III Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown in May 2017 when known as Autocratic, the Chris Waller-trained gelding took up the early running under Linda Meech and refused to yield when challenged by Brett Prebble on the Reliable man gelding Sully in a thrilling battle over the final 200 metres. 

Advertisement


In a head-bobbing finish, Captain Cook (GB) nosed out Sully with the consistent Mosh Music (Moshe) a fast finishing third. (images Grant Courtney)

"I think it was a very well-deserved win, he has been knocking on the door without a lot of luck and he had to do it the hard way today," Waller said.

"The intention wasn't to lead but Linda took the initiative to go forward when it looked like being caught wide, so well done to her.

"We might look at the Mornington Cup and Cranbourne Cup worth about $400,000 looks pretty good. There are some big races coming up and the Rosehill Cup is worth $500,000 but I think he will stay down here."

The son of Dubawi raced as a homebred for Cheveley Park in England but now sports the silks of Richard Pegum and partners.

A half-brother to Group III Newbury Horris Hill Stakes winner Evasive (Elusive Quality), Captain Cook (GB) is one of four winners out of the stakes-placed Storm Cat mare Canda who is a daughter of East Of The Moon (Private Account) the Champion 3YO Filly in France in 1994 whose 4 wins nincluded the Group 1 Prix de Diane, Group 1 Prix Jacques Le Marois and Group 1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches.

East Of The Moon is a half-sister to Kingmambo.

Advertisment
More Reading...
First Season Highlights – These Guys Made an Impression
The Inglis Australian Weanling Sale gave buyers the opportunity to have a first look at the progeny of a new crop of  first season sires and the big banger of the group duly produced the highest priced baby from this cohort of sires.
$650,000 Stay Inside Filly Sets New Record at Inglis Weanling Sale
A new record price for the Australian Weanling Sale was set at Riverside today when a Stay Inside x Sheidel filly offered by Noorilim Park sold for $650,000.
One to Watch – Kembla
Group I ATC Champagne Stakes winner Nepotism is not the only talented two year-old winner by Brutal this season that was bred and sold by Gilgai Farm.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday May 6
Here is the full list of 30 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Records Tumble at Huge Australian Weanling Sale
The most successful Inglis Australian Weanling Sale in history concluded at Riverside today with a record individual top price of $775,000 paid for a colt by Too Darn Hot (GB), a record gross and record average.
Westbury Stud Announce 2025 Fees
Westbury Stud is pleased to announce the 2025 service fees for its high performing stallion roster, providing breeders with an accessible source of proven bloodlines at excellent value.
Benbatl Return in Style
Back from a successful Australian campaign where he won the Group 1 Caulfield Stakes and ran Winx to two lengths in the WS Cox Plate, Godolphin’s Benbatl gave a 5-length hiding to the Group 1 St James's Palace Stakes runner-up King Of Comedy in Friday’s Group II Shadwell Joel Stakes (1m) at Newmarket.
Widden Stud Sell $775,000 Too Darn Hot Colt
Widely tipped as a likely sale-topper at the Inglis Australian Weanling Sale, the Widden Stud consigned Too Darn Hot (GB) colt from Enbihaar did not disappoint when fetching $775,000.
100th National Yearling Sale to Debut New Format
Karaka 2026 will mark the 100th anniversary of the National Yearling Sales in New Zealand, a significant milestone to celebrate.
Sires With Winners - Monday May 5
Here is the full list of 20 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.