Picture: Darren Winningham
At Witz Finish has secured a spot within the $2 million Kosciuszko lineup at Randwick on October 19 … a reward that’s as deserving as it could have extremely unlikely initially of the yr.
The truth that coach Daniel Bowen has labored wonders with the now nine-year-old since At Witz Finish got here into his steady having not posted a race win in twenty-three begins since saluting in July 2021, has been properly documented, as has Bowen’s intention to make sure At Witz Finish’s identify remained within the combine for Kosciuszko choice … which is a contest in itself with each runner being nominated by Kosciuszko Sweepstake winners … because the son of Epaulette’s kind started to flourish as soon as once more.
In all, since kicking off with Bowen, At Witz Finish gained 4 races within the four-month interval from mid-March to mid-July, together with wins within the $160 000 ATC Cup and the $200 000 Eye Liner Stakes.
Throw in a second-place end within the Glasshouse and a third-place end within the Chief De Beers … once more each Listed races … and it’s clear to see that whereas At Witz Finish’s kind was constructing momentum, so too was his declare for Kosciuszko choice … and, as soon as the fourteen sweepstake winners had been selected Wednesday morning, it didn’t take lengthy earlier than Bowen acquired the telephone name he had engaged on getting for a lot of months.
“I acquired a name … it was solely half-an-hour after the draw,” defined Bowen. “Really, I acquired a textual content from Kasie Stanley earlier than that, telling me {that a} pal of hers was going to ring me shortly … and that he was representing the individual that drew a ticket and who was focused on At Witz Finish.
“I took that decision and inside 5 minutes the deal was finished.
“I wasn’t stunned that At Witz Finish was taken up so shortly,” continued Bowen. “If he was 4 or 5 years outdated, he can be one of many favourites for the race with the shape he has acquired.
“It’s simply the identical story it was with him over the carnival. Each time he gained, they made him an even bigger value subsequent time as a result of they couldn’t consider an eight-year-old might hold successful … and now he’s 9 so that they him at an extended value than he can be with that kind if he was a youthful horse.”
Whereas ready for this chance, Bowen has stored At Witz Finish away from race motion … however nonetheless ticking alongside … since his second place within the Glasshouse on July 14.
“He’s had a freshen. He’ll have a leap out subsequent week … an excellent leap out … and he’ll both go to the Weetwood first-up or an Open Handicap in Brisbane,” stated Bowen. He’ll simply have that one run earlier than Sydney.”
The Sydney journey itself takes a little bit of planning however Bowen has a transparent philosophy on that.
“Yeah, there’s planning concerned, however I’ll simply hold it easy and gained’t overthink it,” said Bowen.
And there stays an opportunity that Bowen would possibly have the ability to area a two-pronged assault within the Kosciuszko with the five-year-old mare Tectonic Plate one other potential candidate for Kosciuszko choice.
The seven-time successful daughter of Supido is bang in kind, having gained three of her final 4 begins, together with a Brisbane metropolitan win at Eagle Farm in an Open Handicap over 1200m, the Kosciuszko distance.
“Yeah, we’re ready on a name however, no matter whether or not she will get into the Kosciuszko or not, her final run, albeit unfortunate (when ending a close-up third), confirmed she is a horse who may very well be a coming stakes winner,” provided Bowen.
“She’ll undoubtedly run within the Weetwood … and she or he’ll get a lightweight weight in that.
“Win, lose or draw along with her when it comes to any Kosciuszko choice, we’ve already acquired a runner within the Kosciuszko, so we’re in a fairly snug place throughout.
“Quite a lot of the job is completed.
“We should simply do the fine-tuning now … hold them secure … and, like I stated … hold it easy.”
*Current prospects solely. 2nd Racing guess. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
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