Well-related Just Thinkin’ has taken his most progressive step in a sparingly raced career to make a winning start to a possible 2019 Victoria Derby campaign.
A half-brother to the Group Three winner Thinkin’ Big, Just Thinkin’ broke through for his first win at his third start at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
Resuming over 1300m, Just Thinkin’ had enough freshness in his legs to lead and land a betting move in the Casino Prince @ Vinery Handicap.
“He is a really impressive horse and I am excited about him going forward because he’s got the bloodlines to stay,” co-trainer Adrian Bott said.
“I think (staying) is exactly what we are going to see from him. I think gelding has been the key. It has really helped him take shape.”
Thinkin’ Big emerged as one of Australia’s better three-year-old stayers last early last season, winning four races on his way to starting favourite in the Victoria Derby.
He ended up down the course at Flemington and was subsequently sold to Hong Kong where he has raced once in finishing rearward at Sha Tin.
Bott and his training partner Gai Waterhouse had Melbourne Cup ambitions for Thinkin’ Big but the stable senses it has an able replacement.
As such, Just Thinkin’ is likely to follow a similar spring path to the one his older sibling trod 12 months ago.
Bott and Waterhouse completed a Warwick Farm double with another three-year-old Fiery Red winning at his fourth start.
Fiery Red raced at stakes level without flattering as a two-year-old but with the backing of three barrier trials, the colt was too swift over 1100m.
Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au