French import Wootton Verni has broken through for his first Australian victory, taking out the Group 3 Coongy Cup at Caulfield in determined fashion.
The Chris Waller-trained galloper arrived in Australia late last year and finally struck gold at his sixth local start, producing a strong performance over 2000 metres. After beginning his Australian campaign in Sydney, Wootton Verni was transferred to Waller’s Melbourne yard, where he quickly found his rhythm.
Following a fourth-place effort over 1800m at Sandown on September 27, the gelding relished the rise in trip to deliver a hard-fought win. Sent out the $3.80 favourite under Damian Lane, Wootton Verni scored by a long neck over Casino Seventeen ($31), with Future History ($13) another 2¾ lengths away in third.
Stable representative Lizzie Collett said the result was particularly satisfying given the horse’s quirky nature.
“He got a good clear run and was able to use his ability, but in the first 400 metres, I was saying relax,” Collett said.
“Luckily, he had enough fuel left at the end, so it shows he’s a quality horse.”
The team decided to swap blinkers for winkers after his previous start, hoping the change would help him settle, and while he still raced keenly, Lane said the win should boost his confidence.
“His form before he came to Australia was very good, but it’s taken a little bit for him to put it together here, but he’s building the right way,” Lane said.
“I think he needed a confidence win and hopefully that was it for him.
“I was in the right spot, but he didn’t really switch off for me. I think the winkers switched him on, but with a few more goes in them, he might relax a bit better further on.
“I think they bought him for bigger targets than this race and he’s building in the right way.”
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