China Horse Club struck on both sides of Australia on Saturday, Feb. 28, with Campione D’Italia (Snitzel) producing a Randwick upset in the G2 Catanach’s Jewellers Skyline S.(1200m) and Wonderfully Made (Playing God) continuing her rise in Perth with a strong win in the LR Ascot 1000 Guineas (1800m).
Campione D’Italia turns promise into a Slipper ticket
Campione D’Italia
Campione D’Italia unleashed a barnstorming finish to edge stablemate Central Europe in a heart-stopping Skyline conclusion, securing the race’s Golden Slipper ballot exemption and stamping himself as a colt with plenty of upside heading into the Sydney autumn.
“He’s a very talented colt and it was fantastic to see him put it together on Saturday when it counted,” CHC’s Michael Smith said. “He is still a work in progress, and full credit should go to Chris Waller and his team for the faith and work they have put into Campione D’Italia so that he can realise his full ability, as it seems he has plenty. It’s full steam ahead to the Golden Slipper on the 21st.”
Wonderfully Made looks ready to stretch out
Wonderfully Made
On Australia’s west coast at Ascot, Wonderfully Made made it a hat trick of wins with her first stakes success in the Ascot 1000 Guineas.
Never in doubt, she travelled strongly behind the speed before being set alight around the turn, reeling in the leader and drawing away to score by two lengths, eased down on the line.
“She won well within herself and it was soft through the line,” jockey William Pike said.
“She’s certainly a classy filly and we’re excited to see what her ceiling is in time as right now she seems to be doing everything easily,” Smith said. “She’s set herself firmly on a WA Oaks and Derby path now, so we look forward to progressing onto the Natasha Stakes as the next step before taking on the Oaks at the end of March.”