Disappointing in two top-class races since winning the Group III Sky High Stakes at Rosehill in March, Lindermann found Saturday’s Group III Cincotta Chemist Craven Plate (1800m) at Randwick more to his liking.
Ridden by Joao Moreira for Chris Waller, the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas winning son of Lonhro enjoyed a ground-saving ride behind the leader Spirit Ridge (IRE) and the pair settled down to fight the race out.
After momentarily having trouble finding clear air, Lindermann levelled up with the
7-year-old son of Nathaniel (IRE), who was not about to give in without a fight.
Lindermann defeated Spirit Ridge (IRE) by a head with the fast-finishing Flying Artie gelding Democracy Manifest a long-head back in third.
I was amazed that they held Lindermann in for such a long time. He’s such a big boy, I thought he’d bullock his way out a bit easier than he did,” stable representative Charlie Duckworth said.
“They rode nice, true, competitive lines, and he was fortunate to get out. It was unfortunate for Democracy Manifest that he got out with just enough time to respond.
“It’s fantastic for the Kepitis family. They’ve had a bit of a rough trot with Riff Rocket, so it’s good to get an old boy like him (Lindermann) back to his best and winning on a big day.
“Full credit to the whole rehab team to get him to this point and to get him to win today. And Democracy Manifest, he’s got a big one in him. We’ve just got to find the right day.”
A Woppitt Bloodstock homebred, Lindermann advances his record to five wins, four seconds, and a third from 22 starts with earnings of $1,475,050.
Foaled and raised at Coolmore, the near-black son of Lonhro is the best of four winners from as many to race for the talented Stratum mare Self Esteem.
A winner at Rosehill and Warwick Farm, Self Esteem was runner-up in the Listed Gold Coast Bracelet and was fourth in the Group 1 Vinery Stud stakes won by Single Gaze.
A great-granddaughter of Stratheden Stud’s influential Sommes Sound (USA), Self Esteem has a yearling colt by Written By and was covered by Pierro last spring.