CHC bred Naval Seal was an AUD1.8mil sale topper in 2020
The winter racing period may be a fruitful one for China Horse Club’s Australian arm after rejuvenated performer Resonator set the weekend alight when posting his second successive win since returning as a gelding. That result was doubled down upon when Naval Seal streeted rivals by almost six lengths at his first start in Victoria. Posted in between was a positive return from 2021 G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas runner-up Meritable.
“This is the time of year when we want to see some of our lightly raced performers progressing through the grades or justifying starts in stakes races,” said Mike Smith, China Horse Club’s Australian representative.
“Resonator looks deserving of a tilt at better company over the Queensland racing carnival, Naval Seal was exceptional at his first start on slightly better ground over a suitable trip and there was a lot to like about Meritable’s return as well.”
Visually, it was impossible to ignore the performance of Naval Seal. The three-year-old was the sale topper at the 2020 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale and looked a grade above his rivals as he sprinted clear on the corner to win in effortless fashion.
“It was a very good win yesterday. [Naval Seal] jumped cleanly and lobbed straight into a nice position in transit, camping at the leader’s hindquarters, dictating the tempo,” Smith said.
“He relaxed and travelled nicely and Craig [jockey Craig Williams] kept creeping further forward to be challenging for the lead inside the final 600m. He took over rounding the turn for home and extended away from them as he went through his gears in the straight winning by 5.5 lengths.
“Craig was very complementary post-race. He acknowledged Naval Seal’s inexperience but feels he will gain a lot from today as he progresses up in grade next time. He quickened through the heavy going and the way he raced today a rise in distance will also be to his liking.
“It was great to see him win yesterday and he was certainly very impressive in doing so. Whilst the track was in the Heavy range, it was a different type of Heavy with a good, firm base that he appreciated.”
Naval Seal will progress to city company at his next start with champion trainer Chris Waller scouting a patient path through the grades with the gelding.
Resonator is on a distinctive upward spiral with a brave performance seeing him lead throughout for the second time in as many starts this preparation. The Adrian Bott and Gai Waterhouse trained juvenile didn’t have an easy time of it, being pestered by a rival through the middle stages, but shook that performer off, sprinted clear and then had the temerity to withstand a late challenge from runner-up Zou Tiger.
Resonator certainly looks deserving of a tilt in stakes company. A standing in which the Andrew Forsman trained Meritable is already at. The regally bred colt was making his first appearance since finishing second in last November’s G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas and will certainly benefit from the run.
“I thought he went super and he has come through this run well,” Smith said of Meritable.
“[Meritable] traveled well and picked up in the straight over a trip short of his best and track not to his liking. He had a big blow after and should be spot on for the G3 Fred Best Classic over 1400m in three weeks time.”
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