Waller unearths another Ardrossan
On Wednesday at Sandown, Climb The Ladder announced himself as a rising star for Chris Waller and his team, storming to a dominant 4.75-length win second-up.
Racing in the navy blue and pale yellow spotted silks of prominent owner Ozzie Kheir, the three-year-old son of Ardrossan was expertly piloted by Damian Lane.
In a case of déjà vu, Stakes winner Saltcoats (Ardrossan) also carries these colours under Waller’s care, further highlighting the impact of his sire.
It has been a standout seven weeks for Ardrossan, with three Trans-Tasman Group winners and three additional Stakes performers:
Beau Dazzler – Gr.3 Grand Prix Stakes winner (16 December), now targeting the Gr.1 Queensland Derby.
Yaldi – Gr.2 Auckland Guineas winner (26 December).
Ardalio – Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy winner on Karaka Millions night (25 January).
His Stakes performers over this period also include Saltcoats (Chris Waller) and the Group-placed fillies Renovations (three years old) and Almakeitgood (two years old).
From just 32 runners in this seven-week span, Ardrossan has sired seven winners, six Stakes horses, and is striking at an impressive 10.2% Stakes winners-to-runners and 5.1% Group winners-to-runners.
His results are even more remarkable considering his small crops – just 137 live foals, 59 runners, 25 winners, and nine Stakes horses.
Waikato Stud will offer a filly by Ardrossan at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale as Lot 244 – click to view.
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The writing of my Corner started many years ago, motivated by an irritation that I felt needed scratching. It was never my intention to make my commentary regular; neither did I intend to reinvent the direction of racing administration. It is both disappointing and ironical that what should be a simple, straightforward business provides a regular need for comment.
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