McDonald lifts Rediener to strong Gunsynd Classic victory
The lethal combination of James McDonald and Chris Waller has struck early on Stradbroke Handicap Day at Eagle Farm, as they combined with Rediener to hold on and take out the Group 3 Gunsynd Classic.
McDonald made sure that his three-year-old gelded son of Redoute’s Choice wasn’t too far away from the leaders, as he pushed him along to hold the one-one on the back of End Assembly.
As the field rounded the home turn and McDonald went for his mount, he kicked strongly, but he had company with Soothsayer less than half a length away for the majority of the straight, as well as the fast-finishing Yellow Brick.
Speaking of the race favourite Yellow Brick, he was backed if unbeatable, jumping as a $1.35 market elect with online bookmakers; however, when he settled third last and then took an age to warm up and let down, he left himself with a lot to do in the final 200m.
Yellow Brick put in a late dive on the line, but he missed and Rediener held on to score by half a head on the line.
2023 Gunsynd Classic Replay – Rediener
After training his first winner on Stradbroke Handicap Day, Chris Waller spoke post-race about the win of Rediener.
“It was very good. He’s learnt to be a winner this preparation and hasn’t looked back. He’s gone from one step and today was another big step again,” Waller said.
“James rode him beautifully from a good draw and that made all the difference. The favourite, in another few bounds, might have got us but we he got the job done.”
James McDonald also picked up his first winner at Eagle Farm on Saturday, after he just missed in the first race, and he spoke post-race about the win.
“He’s a nice fit galloper who’s form might really come through later in the year,” McDonald said.
“He’s a talented galloper but I think he’s got a bit more furnishing to do.”