Sydney raider Coastwatch has held on for a narrow first-up victory at Caulfield with a Group 1 race the immediate target for the three-year-old.
The Chris Waller-trained galloper made a winning return in the Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) on Saturday in the lead-up to the Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 5.
Under the guidance of Craig Williamson, Coastwatch ($5.50) registered a short-half-head win over the fast-finishing Burning Power ($26) with Lucky Decision ($6.50) three-quarters-of-a-length away third.
Coastwatch showed his promise in the spring winning the Group 3 Ming Dynasty Stakes at Kembla Grange before running third in the Group 1 Golden Rose at Rosehill.
Jo Taylor, Waller’s Melbourne representative, said the gelding was sent down from Sydney with a fair degree of confidence.
“We do know that these young horses, first time around Caulfield, can come unstuck but I think he showed a bit of class,” Taylor said.
“Coming through runs like these hard-fought victories, they really come away with confidence and it can really lead to something bigger and better.”
Williams said Saturday’s contest was ‘technical’, but he went into the race confident after speaking with Waller on Saturday morning.
“First-up, seven furlongs, first time around Caulfield, he was very confident from a good barrier to utilise it,” Williams said.
“Our opposition, on form was a lot fitter than we were and Jye (McNeil on Decent Raine) had to make a decision, whether he was going back there for luck or he was going to lead, so I was very happy to have my horse outside the leader.
“He relaxed and got around the track really nicely.
“He’s got really great credentials and we’re lucky enough that they found this race which was a great option to kick of the preparation.”