After a luckless debut when backed off the board at Newcastle, Raf Attack took luck out of the equation when making all the running in the Furphy Maiden Hcp (1550m) at Randwick-Kensington on Wednesday.
Ridden by Regan Bayliss, the striking 3yo son of Satono Aladdin (JPN) showed no signs of weakening to defeat the favourite Le Chocolat (Ocean Park) by two and three-quarter lengths with Agita (Adelaide) a length back in third.
“That was more in line with what we were expecting on debut, but things didn’t go his way that day,” Adrian Bott said.
“He showed good improvement and was a lot sharper today, and stretching out in distance helped.
“He is a horse that will keep improving over further, so being able to control things and build into it and get into a nice rhythm suited him as opposed to trying to pick up and sprint last start.
“He has the scope to improve and is a lovely horse for us.”
Consigned by Rich Hill Stud to Book 1 of the 2022 NZB Karaka Yearling Sale, Raf Attack was a $150,000 purchase for Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing / Chris Rutten Bloodstock.
The son of Satono Aladdin (JPN) is the first winner from two to race for the Commands mare Sima.
Unplaced in four starts for Godolphin, Sima was a $55,000 purchase for Waterford Bloodstock (BAF NZ) at the 2017 Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale.
A half-sister to stakes-winner Solemn (Bernardini) and stakes-placed Honeywine (Street Cry) from the family of Group 1 Australasian Oaks winner La Volta and Group 1 Caulfield Guineas winner Mighty Boss, Sima had a Vadamos colt fail to make his $20,000 reserve at Karaka.
Satono Aladdin (JPN) (Deep Impact) made it a one-act affair for leading second season sire in New Zealand in addition to claiming the 2yo sire title.
The Rich Hill Stud shuttler returns triumphant in 2023 with an increased fee of $45,000.
