With a super-impressive start to his Australian career at Caulfield on Saturday, Waikato Stud's multiple Group One placegetter I Wish I Win has thrown his hat into the ring as a potential big-race contender during the Melbourne spring carnival.
Originally prepared by Te Akau Racing trainers Jamie Richards and later Mark Walker, the Savabeel gelding had nine starts in New Zealand for two wins and six placings.
He made a habit of chasing home his stablemates in black-type features, finishing second to On The Bubbles in the Group 1 Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) and third behind Imperatriz and On The Bubbles in the Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m).
Owner-breeders Waikato Stud decided to send the highly talented four-year-old across the Tasman to join the Peter Moody stable for the 2022-23 season, and the Victorian venture got off to a perfect start at Caulfield.
Jumping from barrier six in the hands of Jamie Kah, I Wish I Win was caught wide at the first corner but soon slotted across to the rail and settled into a smooth rhythm in midfield.
Kah brought him to the outside at the top of the straight and released the brakes, and the result was put beyond any doubt within the space of a few powerful strides. I Wish I Win charged past Gentleman Roy and raced away to score a dominant four-length victory.
“He was just a push-button ride,” Kah said. “He's got the temperament and attitude, but you don't really know what's underneath until you push the button. He gave me a nice enough feel in the running, but once I pushed the button, he just extended away and he still had plenty left. I definitely think he could stretch out over much more distance than this.”
The Moody stable has been quick to set it sights on much bigger and better things, including a potential tilt at the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield on October 8.
“He's a horse that's come to us with great form in New Zealand,” assistant trainer Katherine Coleman said. “He's been very well educated over there, and we're lucky enough to take the reins now.
“He's trialled up very well. His work at home's been fantastic. So it's lovely to see him come here and give that performance today. But I'd say we sort of expected that of him.
“He'll head towards the Toorak Handicap now, so we'll just pick our path on how we get there.”
I Wish I Win is by Savabeel out of the Pins mare Make A Wish, whose five winners from seven foals to race also include the well-performed Another Dollar. That daughter of Ocean Park won five races including the Group 3 Premier's Cup (2200m) and Listed Gosford Gold Cup (2000m), while her seven black-type placings included a second in the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m).
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