Opening Address was back in the winner’s circle for the first time since winning the Listed Batman Stakes (1800m) at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day just over 12 months ago, when landing the Whispering Angel Handicap (1800m) at Caulfield on Saturday under apprentice Luke Cartwright.
The New Zealand-bred son of So You Think was sent out a $21 chance for trainer Liam Howley but ran out a comfortable three-quarters of a length winner from Sigiriya Rock with a wayward favourite Skipper’s Canyon running on into fourth late after missing the start.
“He’s been enormous. Two starts back, he had a heavy weight then last start it was pattern,” Howley’s General Manager Adin Strang said.
“The most important thing is the owners have been incredibly patient, with Cup day a couple of years ago his last win when in super form.
“We knew another win was coming. I thought for a second he went a bit early, but he’s tough and Liam has done an enormous job.”
Winning Jockey Luke Cartwright had faith in the horse based on the fact James McDonald had ridden the horse to victory at stakes level last year.
“You know when James McDonald is called up to ride this horse, he goes pretty well,” Cartwright said.
“He’s got the ability and I watch his replays. He had a nice win over the Flemington Carnival last year and I knew he had the form there.
“He just had to relax, time his run and this is his trip, 1700m plus I believe. He settled beautifully for me, came up underneath me at the 600 and once I got him to the fence, because he can have the tendency to lay in, I knew we would take some beating.”
Opening Address was bred by Ben Kwok and races in the colours of part-owners Windsor Park Stud and has now had 13 starts for three wins, two placings and A$297,000 in stakes.
He was bought for $160,000 by Liam Howley Racing, Andrew Williams Bloodstock and Bevan Smith Bloodstock at Karaka 2023.
The four-year-old is the first foal out of the Kingman mare Royal Welcome, who is a half-sister to the British stakes winners Haddaf and Lamar. Royal Welcome was bought by Kwok’s Lionrock Bloodstock for A$120,000 from the 2021 Inglis Sydney Broodmare Sale.
A Profondo half-brother to Opening Address will be offered as Lot 92 at the Karaka Yearling Sales in 2026. – NZ Racing Desk
