Standing in Australia for the first time this spring at Coolmore, exciting sire Wootton Bassett (GB) added a new stakes-winner to his tally in the US on Tuesday when progressive colt Wootton Asset took out the $250,000 Group III Colonial Downs Virginia Derby (1 1/8th m).
He started his career in France where he won twice at two for the Carlos Lerner stable, but is now with Graham Motion.
Stakes-placed three times since transferring across the Atlantic, Wootton Asset broke through for his first win stateside when producing a stylish three-quarter length victory in the lucrative turf contest.
"This is a cool horse. He finally got his good ground today," said Graham Motion.
Wootton Asset was sourced originally from the Arqana October Yearling Sale and then sold privately to his US owners as a tried horse.
He has three wins and three placings from 10 starts with the promise of much more to come.
The 22nd stakes-winner worldwide for Wootton Bassett, Wootton Asset is the best of five winners from Love Liu, an unraced half-sister by Librettist to stakes-winner Night Bokbel.
Wootton Bassett stands this spring at a fee of $71,500.
