3 minute read
Striking the first firm track of his career, Naval Seal has broken through for a metropolitan victory.
Former Coolmore-owned three-year-old Naval Seal has made an immediate impact for his new connections, relishing a firm surface at Rosehill to post an impressive win.
With a focus on racing breeding prospects, Coolmore recently sold the gelding for $245,000 through the June Inglis Digital Sale where he was snapped up by fellow stable clients of his trainer Chris Waller.
His new owners did not have to wait long for a result with the three-year-old outclassing his rivals in the Furphy Handicap (1800m) on Saturday.
"Coolmore obviously only want colts and we had a really loyal client in the stable, Mr Flannery, he liked the horse, so we bought him back and he has reaped the rewards today," Waller's stable representative Damien Fitton said.
"He has struck a few heavy tracks and he has taken a bit of time to mature mentally and physically and back onto a good track today, he really relished that, and he got a good ride."
William Pike settled the three-year-old worse than midfield and when the leaders drifted off the fence straightening for home, Naval Seal ($5) burst through along the inside and raced clear.
The previously undefeated Willinga Rufio ($2.90 fav) didn't shirk his task, finishing another 1-1/2 lengths away in second, with Karlstad ($11) third.
Pike said Naval Seal travelled sweetly throughout, although he was worried when he was bottled up on the fence before the rails run presented.
"They said he was normally a bit of a wind-up horse then when I was stuck three-back (on) the paint, I was a little bit concerned," Pike said.
"He was always travelling like he was going to let down and when he saw daylight, he really did."
Waller made it a race-to-race double when Born A King saluted for Hugh Bowman in the Roger Norton Handicap (2000m) 35 minutes later.
The late money for Born A King was spot on.
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 18, 2022
The import took the rails route and got up from a gutsy Colour Sergeant. @cwallerracing @HugeBowman @aus_turf_club pic.twitter.com/7VNcHVyddD
