Third Time’s the Charm For Wizard
In what was a sense of events finally aligning with their rightful course, 5YO entire WIZARD OF OZ (EXCEED AND EXCEL x DREAM IN COLOUR (GB)) landed his first win since joining the stable after two previous attempts where circumstances did not go his way.
Third-up and ready for action in the 1200m Highway on G1 Concorde Stakes day at Royal Randwick, he and jockey Jason Collett executed the race perfectly by dropping back off the speed and coming off the rail with a tough final burst to capture front runner Iron Will and secure the win that had been promised after a luckless first-up attempt and narrow second-up defeat.
His previous start, a Highway attempt at 1300m at Rosehill saw him showing bravery in defeat, making the running after a clean break from the barriers and being caught in the shadows of the post by Overlord who closed him down for a 0.74L margin.
First-up, following some flashy trials at Goulburn, Wizard Of Oz was held tight for room over the Randwick 1200m and could not get a chance to reel in Iron Will who he was to overturn two starts later, finishing 4th.
The big framed horse joined the Danny Williams team earlier in the year and has represented the stable with accord in all three starts, somewhat outperforming his fitness on the first two occasions, with this latest effort landing the win he has well deserved.
Photo courtesy of Jenny Head.
He is an able galloper who has found his groove at Goulburn and it is hoped that this win and his now consistent racing signals his credentials as a potential pick for the $2 Million Kosciuszko for Country trained horses in October also over 1200m at Randwick.
Feature Photo Credit: Bradley Photos