Race experience has paved the way for Critique taking out his maiden victory at Ballarat.
A rich restricted two-year-old race could be on the agenda for the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Critique after his win at Ballarat.
The $1 million The Showdown (1200m) at Sandown on Saturday week looms as the potential next run for Critique after his win in the Whitford Liquid Waste Plate (1100m) on Wednesday.
Sent out the $2.90 betr.com.au favourite under Jordan Childs, Critque led throughout in defeating Zondee ($4) by three lengths with Ferghana ($16) a further 2-¼ lengths away third.
Critique had previously had one start in Sydney before being transferred to the Melbourne stable of Waterhouse and Bott, supplying them with their 30th Victorian victory of the season.
Rebecca Shanks, the Melbourne representative for the stable, said her job, and that of the Melbourne stable, was made that much easier having high-quality bloodstock to work with.
Shanks said Critique had settled in well to his new surrounds.
“He’s an absolute professional and we’ve had no issues with him so far and hopefully he can continue on his winning form,” Shanks said.
“There have been a few little discussions of hopefully heading to The Showdown, but he is a two-year-old and naturally we’ll take him home, see how he pulls up and go from there.”
Critique wears the Red, Yellow Stars and Halved Sleeves, Red Cap with White Newgate Logo that were carried to finish one-two in the Group 1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Childs has been having a good run with the Waterhouse and Bott stable and had his first sit on the Written Tycoon colt last Friday.
“I galloped him on Friday, and he gave me a really good feel,” Childs said.
“We thought he would come here and do that today and it’s good to see him get the job done.
“I think he’s a really nice horse in the making. He gives the feel of being even nicer next time in, when he strengthens up and matures a bit more.
“He’s definitely heading in the right direction. He jumps well, relaxes well and puts himself there and when you ask him for an effort, he quickens up well.”
