Wymark eyes ATC Derby after claiming Tulloch Stakes
Tommy Berry & Michael Freedman combined with Wymark (+160) to claim victory in the Group 2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon.
It comes after a terrific last start victory against the older horses at Rosehill on March 16, adding his third straight victory of the preparation.
He returned to take on the three-year-olds in the Tulloch Stakes, given a perfect steer by Tommy Berry to continue his winning ways, staking his claims on next Saturday’s Group 1 ATC Derby (2400m) in the process.
It was a race set up by a genuine tempo throughout, courtesy of the Brad Widdup-trained High Dandy (+500) attempting to make every post a winner under Tyler Schiller, skipping clear in the middle stages.
Kintyre (+500) was sent forward to hold a position outside the lead under Jamie Kah, leaving the eventually winner and outside hope Noisy Boy (+2200) gaining promising stalking position throughout the contest.
When the whips were cracking, Wymark simply proved a class above, outstaying his rivals to the wire, fending off the challenge of Noisy Boy and the fast-finishing Saltcoats (+850) in the concluding stages.
2024 Group 2 Tulloch Stakes Replay – Wymark
Michael Freedman was on course to praise his galloper before confirming the son of Savabeel would pay the fee and back-up next week.
“I was a little bit anxious just before the corner,” said Freedman.
“We were further back than we anticipated originally, but he’s a quality young horse and on a day that, so far, has been very leader dominated and on pace, he’s done a really good job.
“Hopefully if he gets home and eats up tonight and has a good weekend, he can go around again next week.
“They’re only three once, he’s had a great prep so far and it’s a big carrot dangling in front of us. When you get these three-year-olds that are in really good form like he is, you’ve just got to go with that.
“Historically in the last few years, this race has been a great guide to the Derby and he’s bred to run close to a mile-and-a-half.”
Tommy Berry was delighted with the performance and suggested the Derby next start is a must for the three-year-old gelding.
“C’mon Michael, you better put your hands in your pockets mate. We’ve got 40 thousand to find,” joked Berry.
“I came in after his work on Tuesday and I said to Michael, ‘this horse is oozing so much confidence’. I said ‘he won’t get beat on the weekend’. It was just that bit of work. Last time I said to Michael one wouldn’t get beat, it was Stay Inside in the (Golden) Slipper I think. So, that’s how good he’s been going at home.
“He was very enthusiastic today. He doesn’t feel like a horse that has had a heap of runs. He’s still on the ‘chewie’ in the run, he’s feeling really good. But just with how quickly he picks them up and puts them away, and even Jay Ford said to me coming back to scale, ‘I felt like I had you a few times but yours was just waiting for us and then just kept picking up and going away’. So he’s got a few more gears there.”
Wymark is now on the third line of betting with online bookmakers at +500 for the ATC Derby (2400m) on April 6.