An inside gate was all that was needed for
Wyndspelle to show that he is a match for the best of his age group.
Co-trainer Donna Logan has never lost faith in the colt, who on Saturday triumphed
in the Gr.2 Darci Brahma Waikato Guineas to post his first success since he won
on the track 12 months ago.
"He deserved that – he has been unlucky on so many occasions and had a run of
bad barriers," she said.
"We were quietly confident. From the draw he got a beautiful trip and a
beautiful ride and he got the job done."
Runner-up in last season's Gr.1 Diamond Stakes, Wyndspelle is now a $9 chance
for the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby.
"We'll have a think about things, but he might just go straight into the
Derby," said Logan, who prepares the Iffraaj colt with Chris Gibbs.
"He can switch off and show a kick and not many can do that. He's not a big
horse, but he's got a big motor and a big heart."
Wyndspelle was settled behind the leading pack on the fence by rider Jason
Waddell and when the gaps opened in the straight they quickly asserted their
superiority.
They went strongly to the post to beat the pacemaker Shocking Luck by half a
length with Lincoln Blue a solid third ahead of Cha Siu Bao.
The Gr.1 Levin Classic winner Hall Of Fame finished fifth and looked to have
his chance and Highlad ran seventh. He raced keenly and can be expected to
further improve with the outing, just his second since he was a respectable
eighth in the Gr.1 VRC Derby. – NZ Racing Desk.