Winless since September 2019, the lightly raced High Chaparral (IRE) gelding Baller made his first start for Tony Gollan a winning one in Saturday’s Listed Golmarket Quality (1200m) at the Gold Coast.
Ridden by Glen Boss, Baller defied the brave Racecourse Road (Show A Heart) by a long-neck with Wisdom Of Water (Headwater) three-quarter of a length back in third.
FIfth behind Nature Strip in the 2019 Group 1 The Galaxy at Rosehill when trained by Anthony Cummings, Baller proved frustrating in his five starts for Chris Waller.
The striking 5yo gelding advanced his record to five wins, one second and two thirds from 20 starts with earnings of $363,565.
Purchased by Anthony Cummings for $160,000 out of the Baramul Stud draft at the 2017 Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Baller is the best of six winners from seven to race out of the Encosta De Lago mare Fuwa who died in 2017.
The final foal of Fuwa is the 3yo Star Witness gelding Kobestar who finished third at Randwick at his most recent start after finishing last in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas.
Baller becomes the 132nd stakes-winner for High Chaparral (IRE) who last shuttled in 2014 and died in December that year.
