Thinkin’ Big Following in the Footsteps of Nothin’ Leica Dane

Media Release - Saturday October 20
The last crop of foals by ill-fated Epsom Derby winner High Chaparral (IRE) are three year-olds and they may provide a fitting finale to a wonderful stud career with the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained colt Thinkin' Big now favourite for the Victoria Derby following an outstanding win in the Group III MRC Caulfield Classic on Saturday.



A full brother to Group III winner Stampede, Think' Big was an unlucky third at his last run in the Group I ATC Spring Champion Stakes, but more than made amends in this 2000 metre assignment.

Thinkin' Big - images Grant CourtneyPerfectly rated in front by Tim Clark, he powered away from his overmatched rivals to win as he pleased by a widening three lengths taking his overall record to four wins from six starts with prizemoney in excess of $480,000.

"He's a lovely horse," said Tim Clark.

"He's so easy to do anything with and for his first go at Caulfield he handled it so well. His attitude is his best attribute, he just wants to work with you."

Thinkin' Big was bred and retained to race by Peter Dunn of Dodmark Thoroughbreds and was foaled at Coolmore.

He still holds an entry for the Melbourne Cup with his co-trainer Gai Waterhouse keen to wait and see how he comes out of this race before making any decisions.

"He'll stay all day," she said.

"On his dam's side he's from the family of Nothin' Leica Dane and he is so much like him."

Waterhouse trained Nothin' Leica Dane to win the Caulfield Classic (Norman Robinson Stakes) in 1995 before he went on to win the Victoria Derby and then finish second in the Melbourne Cup won by Doriemus.

Thinkin' Big is the second winner for classy Tale of the Cat (USA) staying filly Nothin Leica Cat, who was second in the Group I BRC Queensland Oak and is from a half-sister to Group II winner I Am a Ripper.

Nothin' Leica Cat has a yearling filly by So You Think and has foaled this spring producing a colt by American Pharoah (USA).



Advertisment
More Reading...
Tarzino Mare Chasing G1
Tomodachi’s connections are banking on a target closer to home to bring out the best in the gifted mare on Saturday.
Juvenile Trial Watch - Canterbury
Four heats at Canterbury on Friday were won by juveniles and three were unraced youngsters including a $1million Snitzel colt, while G3 Gimcrack Stakes winner Shiki was also sent around following her midfield finish in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic last month.
Breeding to Win - 2026 Inglis Millennium
The $2million Inglis Millennium (1100m) at Randwick this Saturday is for 2YO's that have come via the Inglis Sales and naturally the big stables have deployed some of their best juvenile firepower in pursuit of this big pot of cash.
People at Classic - Feeling The Vibe
Given the numbers of people and the numbers of inspections it’s fair to say there’s a very good vibe about the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale and Maree McEwan was out and about talking to more of the players on Friday.
Nigella Lane Wins Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders
Cambridge mare Nigella Lane was runner-up in last year’s Listed Clubs NZ Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) and she was able to go one better in this year’s edition at Tauherenikau on Waitangi Day.
Sires With Winners - Friday February 6
Here is the full list of 48 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Big Payday for High Chaparral's A Man To Match
No black-type but a Group 1 prize for the connections of the High Chaparral (IRE) gelding A Man To Match who not only pocketed the $145,000 winners cheque as the inaugural winner of the $250,000 The Tab Wave (1800m) at the Gold Coast but had it topped off with another $200,000 for being a Magic Millions graduate.
St Mark’s Basilica Colt Wins MM Tasmania 2YO Classic by Eight!
Tasmanian 2YO sensation Aristopolos ran as a short priced favourite in the $85,000 Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) in Hobart on Friday and the son of 2021 European Horse of the Year St Mark’s Basilica (Fr) kept his unbeaten record intact with scintillating victory.
Almanzor Sprinter on Track for More Riches
Local trainer David Greene can’t wait to head to Te Rapa on Saturday where he will be chasing $1.125 million in prizemoney with a trio of runners.
Big Sky Three-Quarter Sister Highlights MM Online Sale
A three-quarter sister to the unbeaten juvenile Big Sky, one of the serious players for this month's $2 million Group One Blue Diamond Stakes, headlines the Magic Millions Digital Sale (6-11 February), which is now open for bidding.