Political Debate returned to the winner’s circle for the first time in two-and-a-half years with a determined victory in the Drinkwise Mile (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday, giving connections hope that the Group 1 placegetter can rebuild his confidence.
The five-year-old gelding’s only prior win came in the Listed Phoenix Stakes at Eagle Farm in June 2022, followed by a runner-up finish in the J J Atkins Stakes. Despite flashes of talent, including a second in last year’s Wagga Gold Cup, Political Debate had struggled to break through until now.
“He has always had plenty of ability; we’ve just struggled to get that out of him at times,” said jockey Tommy Berry, who rode the Chris Waller-trained gelding.
“But when they are trained by the best, they find ways. Chris said, ‘ride him forward today, wake him up,’ and it proved to be the winning move.
“They get confidence out of it, especially these older horses. It’s very easy for them to lose confidence, but very hard for them to regain it. Only winning can do that.”
Although his record now stands at two wins from 23 starts, Political Debate remains a stable favorite. Trainer and part-owner Chris Waller emphasized the satisfaction of seeing the horse return to form.
“He’s a neat horse, a stable favourite,” Waller said.
“He’s a real gentleman, a lovely mover, and everybody just loves riding him.
“It’s the right time of year for him. He will progress to races like the Parramatta Cup as a fit horse while some of the better carnival runners are still a little underdone.”
Starting at $20, Political Debate scored by a long head over Father’s Day ($26), with Miss You Ella ($9) another half-neck away in third.
In another highlight of the day, Bjorn Baker’s promising three-year-old Point And Shoot delivered a scintillating performance in the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale 9–11 Feb Handicap (1400m).
Ridden patiently by Tim Clark, the gelding unleashed a devastating turn of foot from the back of the field, storming to an emphatic 5-1/2 length victory.
“He was dynamic,” said Luke Hilton, racing manager for Bjorn Baker. “We knew he was going well, and Bjorn was adamant he wanted him ridden patiently today, and he showed his true colours.
“We weren’t sure whether to step him up or drop him back in distance, but ridden like that, he might even get further, which opens a lot of doors for him. He’s a lovely three-year-old.”