Exciting 2YO SW So You Think
Talented colt Do You Just (2c So You Think x Estijmaam, by Exceed and Excel) delivered a powerhouse performance in the Listed Skycity Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie in New Zealand on Saturday.
Ridden by Warren Kennedy, the pair led for every step of the way in New Zealand’s longest two-year-old race and romped home by six and a half lengths.
Do You Just has always been held in high regard by his Matamata trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott, and after being unplaced in two early-season appearances in November and December, he made a promising return to action in the autumn with a second placing and then a last-start sixth in the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes (1400m) at Te Rapa.
Many of that Te Rapa cast headed to Ellerslie for Saturday’s rematch in the Champagne Stakes, and the increased distance put Do You Just in his element.
Kennedy sent the So You Think colt straight to the lead and controlled the race from there to win as he pleased.
“I was happy to go forward and lead today, let him use his action, and he showed what he can do when he extends off that. That was a dominant performance by a horse that still has a lot of improvement to come.
“I think he’s a really smart horse. He’s just got to learn his trade. He’s still very raw and has a few rocks in his head. Once we do a bit more work with him and put some cement there, I think he’ll be very good.”
Do You Just was offered by Carlaw Park in Book 1 of Karaka 2024, where Wexford Stables bought him for $250,000 and he was a successful pinhook having been sourced from the Yarraman Park draft at the Magic Millions National Weanling Sale for $150,000.
Racing in the distinctive white, blue and green colours of majority owners Waikato Stud, he has now had five starts for a win, a second and $65,275 in stakes.
Do You Just was foaled and raised at Yarraman for his breeders Chesapeake Thoroughbreds and Newton Thoroughbreds and is the best of four winners from four foals to race from unraced Exceed and Excel mare Estijmaam.
Do You Just is the 61st stakes-winner for So You Think, who is great value this spring at a fee of $44,000.