Wootton Bassett Colt Stakes Classic Claims In Sandown Trial
Swagman (3c Wootton Bassett – Secretina, by Galileo) joined an illustrious honour roll when landing the Group 3 bet365 Classic Trial in good style at Sandown on Friday.
Partnered by Ryan Moore in the race previously won by the likes of Fantastic Light and Shergar, Aidan O’Brien’s raider raced in third for much of the way and was asked to quicken after turning for home. Ridden to challenge two furlongs out, he ran on to lead a furlong later and stayed on to beat the favourite by three parts of a length.
After the race, Ryan Moore reflected: “Swagman only had three runs last year but his last one was a very good one behind Hotazhell in the Tyros. He has done well from two to three and when I got on him in the paddock I thought he had got stronger.
“They went a good even pace. He was a little bit green in places but coming off the bend, he was travelling very nicely at the two and showed a very good attitude in the last quarter mile. He seems to stay well and it doesn't seem to matter how you ride him - he's a straightforward horse. I'm happy with what he did today and he is a nice horse to look forward to.”
Bred by Gestut Brummerhof and owned by Coolmore partners, Swagman becomes the 11th Group winner from Wootton Bassett’s first Irish crop. Wootton Bassett now leads the way with the most Stakes winners from the current Classic crop.
Henri Matisse, Marana Charlie and Swagman have all won Classic trials this year, and along with the likes of Twain, Expanded, Green Impact and Camille Pissarro, he looks to have a strong grip on the early season Classics.