Great things expected from Gatsby’s
Chris Waller forecast an exciting future for Gatsby’s (Snitzel) after the speedy colt lived up to his early promise with a barnstorming win in Saturday’s Rosebud (Listed, 1100m) at Rosehill.
The strapping chestnut showed ability on debut in February by winning an 1100-metre Canterbury maiden, but then disappointed when only fourth as a $2.05 favourite in the Pago Pago Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m).
But after a lengthy break, Gatsby’s showed improvement with a Rosehill barrier trial win before stepping out at the same course in the Rosebud and rocketing home late after settling sixth of seven in the run to win by 1.9 lengths.
“He’s got a bright future. He’s got all the attributes and he’s started off so well. Spring’s looking good,” Waller told Sky Racing.
“He’s got a brain and works with you, and that’ll be his biggest asset.
“He is a kid’s pony in the stable. All the staff love him, and he is a real teddy bear. But he can turn it on on raceday.”
Waller’s sentiments were echoed by McDonald, after the second of his five wins on a rich afternoon in western Sydney.
“We’re spoiled for choice in the three-year-old ranks, but he’s another horse who showed so much ability early doors,” McDonald said.
“He was put away after a lethargic run in the Pago Pago and given time to mature, he’s come back in tremendous order. He trialled super and we were expecting a performance a little bit like that, so it was good to see it.”
Bred by Phoenix Thoroughbreds, Gatsby’s (3 c Snitzel – Miss Charming by Forestry) was a $220,000 purchase by Aramco Racing from the Vinery Stud draft at Inglis Easter.
He’s the second stakes victor among five winners from the six runners out of the American mare Miss Charming (Forestry), a 1200-metre maiden winner at Hollywood Park.
The mare’s third foal is Gatsby’s brother Letzbeglam, winner of the fillies’ Blue Diamond Prelude (Gr 2, 1100m) in 2020 and, after crossing the Tasman, the Counties Bowl (Gr 3, 1100m) at Pukekohe in 2022.
Miss Charming now has a yearling colt by Aclaim (Acclamation) but missed to Zoustar (Northern Meteor) last spring.
The John Thompson-trained colt Clear Proof (Justify) gained some black type by finishing well to take second in his second start following a Kensington maiden win, while Peter Snowden’s High Octane (Deep Field) also ran home strongly for third, a further 0.2 lengths away. Godolphin’s favourite Tarpaulin (Harry Angel) finished last of the seven runners, five lengths behind the winner.