It didn’t take John Thompson long to believe he had something special on his hands when he first got serious with Mamaragan (Wandjina) and the multiple Group 1-winning trainer’s early opinion was duly vindicated.
Thompson has the talented colt back in work to build toward spring riches and with good reason has every confidence that the colt will rise to greater heights as a 3-year-old.
Mamaragan proved himself to be up with the best of his age group during a light first preparation and the Randwick conditioner has a spring program mapped out with the G1 Golden Rose S. as the main goal.
“From day one he showed he was well above average hence we ran him in a Group race at his first start. We also knew he was going to get better with time, he was an immature colt and he’s progressed a lot and I’m sure he’ll keep improving.”
Off the back of two trial wins, Mamaragan won the G2 Skyline S. on debut and then finished third in both the G1 Golden Slipper S. and the G1 ATC Sires’ Produce S. before he was sent for a spell.
“He’ll go to the trials on July 28 and he’s going really well. He’s come back in very good order and grown and filled out so we’re very happy with him,” Thompson said.
“His first three runs will be in the G3 San Domenico S., the G2 Run To The Rose and then into the G1 Golden Rose S.
“His first three runs will be in the G3 San Domenico S., the G2 Run To The Rose and then into the G1 Golden Rose S.” – John Thompson
“The Wandjinas have showed they aren’t really 2-year-olds and come good at three and hopefully he’s going to be the same.”
Thompson bought Mamaragan out of Newgate’s draft at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $180,000. The colt was bred by Wilf Mula’s Aston Bloodstock, who has remained in the ownership.
He is a son of Forbidden (General Nediym), who won on five occasions, and she is a half-sister to the G2 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile winner Son Of Maher (Al Maher), whose sister Dance With Her was a dual Listed winner.
Further back in the pedigree is Sound Action (Vettori {Ire}), the Group 1 winner of the Australasian Oaks and the Rawson S.
Mamaragan as a yearling
Force to be reckoned with
Mamaragan’s stablemate Dreamforce (Fastnet Rock) will be given an early opportunity to add to his two top-flight titles when he resumes in the G1 Winx S. at Randwick on August 22.
“He’s one of those horses that improves preparation on preparation and he’s been looked after and hasn’t had many starts each prep,” Thompson said.
“He’s gone to a little bit higher level each time and he’s been placed well. If he can raise the bar again this time he might just put a couple more together.”
Dreamforce
In the shorter term, Thompson is keen on the chances of the promising Best Stone (I Am Invincible) in the Debortoli Wines H. at Randwick on Saturday, if she gets conditions to suit. She has won two of her eight starts and was fifth when recently resuming.
“I have to say that both Nash (Rawiller) and I were shocked that she didn’t handle the heavy track like we thought she would,” Thompson said.
“She had won on soft ground and trialled well on a heavy track, but she was the first horse gone when she came off the bridle at the 600.
“She had won on soft ground and trialled well on a heavy track, but she was the first horse gone when she came off the bridle at the 600.” – John Thompson
“She goes well and I’m sure she can get black type at some stage, she’s a progressive horse. If we get a Soft 7 on Saturday I would be quietly confident that she will run very well.”
Raced by Phoenix Thoroughbreds, Best Stone has already faced and overcome adversity after a serious injury as a younger filly.
“They bought her as a yearling and was to have gone through a yearling sale, but she broke her pelvis,” Thompson said.
Best Stone was secured for $390,000 out of Amarina Farm’s draft at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Weanling Sale. She is a half-sister to the G1 Greyville Premier’s Champion S. winner Harry’s Son (Haradasun).
Their dam Dash On Ruby (Anabaa {USA}) won six races and is from the family of two more South African Group 1 winners in Ruby Clipper (Rubiton) and her son Seventh Rock (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}).
