As
a three-quarter brother to a pair of Oaks winners, it's no surprise the Group I
ATC Spring Champion Stakes is on the agenda for promising three year-old
Runaway, who broke the ice with his first win at Canterbury on Wednesday.
Sporting the Rosemont Stud red and white colours that were carried to victory in
the first race at Geelong by True Excelsior (read about her here), the Gai
Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained colt Runaway scored a bold front running
victory.
Having his fourth race start following a debut fourth and two second placings,
Runaway had race fitness and experience on his side which he used to good
advantage.
The son of Manhattan Rain was well rated in front by Josh Parr and relished the
1550 metres to cruise clear and win by two and a half lengths.
"There's more to come from him as he's really growing in confidence," said
Adrian Bott, who indicated the Group I ATC Spring Champion Stakes over 2000
metres was the long range goal for Runaway.
"There's plenty of him to work with. He's a lovely colt and gives the
impression 2000 metres will suit."
A $150,000 Inglis Easter purchase for Gai Waterhouse / Julian Blaxland, Runaway
runs for a syndicate that includes his breeder Rosemont Stud.
He is a three-quarter brother to Group I Oaks winners Absolutely and Abbey
Marie, both sired by Redoute's Choice, who is a half-brother to Runaway's sire
Manhattan Rain.
Runaway is the sixth winner from six foals to race from Catshaan, a half-sister
by Catrail (USA) to Aussie bred Japanese Group I winner Kinshasa No Kiseki.
Rosemont Stud sold a Redoute's Choice colt from Catshaan at Inglis Easter this
year for $550,000 to Shadwell Australia that has been exported to South Africa
and the mare has a yearling filly by Zoustar.