The Group II ATC Skyline Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday featured some very expensive colts, but at the winning post it was first starter Mamaragan that had them all covered giving his Newgate Farm based sire Wandjina a very important first stakes-winner.
Prepared by John Thompson, Mamaragan had looked good in winning two of his three previous trials but was easy in the market and appeared to face a tough task on debut lining up against experienced stakes performed colts such as Prague, Aim and Postcode.
Mamaragan raced on the pace for Blake Shinn and forged to the front after passing the furlong to score a stylish victory by more than a length over $1.7 million Exceed and Excel colt Osamu, booking his ticket to the Golden Slipper next month.
John Thompson has never had a Golden Slipper runner, so was understandably delighted by the victory.
“I’m not really a trainer that aims horses up at the Slipper, but he’s just been a natural from day one and I’m wrapped to have one in it,” Thompson said.
“He’s a raw talent and the sky’s the limit.
“I’m sure he’ll do well and improve out of the run as he’s such a good doing colt with a great attitude.”
A $180,000 Magic Millions purchase for his trainer from the Newgate Farm draft, Mamaragan runs for a big syndicate of owners including Wilf Mula’s Aston Bloodstock, who bred the colt.
Mamaragan is the third winner from Forbidden, a winning half-sister by General Nediym to Group II winner Son of Maher and stakes-winner Dance with Her.
Forbidden has a weanling filly by Foxwedge and was covered last spring by Flying Artie, who raced in the same colours as Mamaragan.
Mamaragan is the first stakes-winner for Snitzel’s Group I VRC Australian Guineas winning son Wandjina, who has five entries for Inglis Premier and you can see them here.
