October 1, 2017Newhaven Bred and Sold Performer Wins the Breeders Plate
Champion trainer Chris Waller is not known for his prowess with early two year-olds, but that might be about to change following a record breaking debut win in the Listed ATC Breeders Plate on Saturday at Randwick for Exceed and Excel colt Performer.
Performer was a winner at the official two year-old trials with Hugh Bowman in the saddle and was able to go right on with that good form on raceday.
Tardy from the gates, he recovered well to surge forward and travel in fourth place before tracking well fancied Snitzel colt Bondi into the race at the furlong.
Performer found another gear to power past Bondi and win the 1000 metre scamper by three-quarters of a length in race record time of 56.82 seconds.
“There was a little bit of concern coming to the races off only one trial but throughout our system he’s progressed without us ever really turning the screws,” stable representative Charlie Duckworth said.
“He’s a scopey a colt with plenty of growing to do and looks to have a massive future.”
A $450,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Newhaven Park draft for Harras Syndicate / Mulcaster Bloodstock, Performer runs for a big syndicate of Waller stable clients and is a half-brother to Group I winner Bel Sprinter and is the fourth winner from Snippets mare Gavroche.
Performer is the 138th stakes-winner for Darley’s champion sire Exceed and Excel, who also sired Khan to win this race last year.
Article: Tara Madgwick, 30 September 2017 Photo: Steve Hart