Trainer Mark Walker believes Samudra has a bright future ahead after showing tremendous grit to win on debut at Sandown on Wednesday.
The filly, by Snitzel out of dual Group 1 winner Pippie, overcame a late challenge to claim the Thoroughbred Club Of Australia Handicap (1000m) in impressive style.
Her victory was made even more notable as she held off I’mateez, a half-brother to Walker’s former superstar Imperatriz, who captured 10 Group 1 titles during her stellar career.
Starting as the $1.80 betting sites favourite with Ben Melham aboard, Samudra looked beaten midway down the straight but fought back strongly to win by a neck. Latin Boss ($3.40) was a further long neck away in third.
“The last 100 metres she was under a lot of pressure, but she dug really deep and probably going forward, she will be a better chaser than leader,” Walker said. “You would have thought she was all done at the 100 metres, but then mum’s ability kicked in.”
Walker revealed this was Samudra’s third prep at Cranbourne, after two earlier stints were cut short due to shin soreness and lack of progress. This time, patient handling paid off.
“She always has been a lovely big girl, but we’ve handled her with kid gloves,” he explained. “We thought we’d look after her, give her one run, put her away and then we can come back for Black Type as a three-year-old.”
Walker suggested Samudra could stretch to 1400m in time, although her ideal distance right now is likely between 1000m and 1200m.
“She’s a big girl and will keep on improving with a bit more time,” he added.
To view odds on Samudra’s next start or explore upcoming Black Type races, visit Australia’s top betting sites.