Adelaide trainer Michael Hickmott and Adam Watt have shared the biggest days of their lives together and are hoping for another one in the Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm next Saturday.
Watt from Dynamic Syndications completed the purchase of a majority share in Hickmott’s last start SA Classic winner Fringes last week.
“We have been on each other’s bridal parties, and if we could own Michael’s first Group 1 winner, I’m sure there are going to be tears,” Watt said. “We have been friends for so long, and it makes it better that we have been able to join him in this wonderful filly.
“The opportunity came up and we didn’t have to be asked twice because she was always going to the Oaks.”
Fringes started a $151 chance three starts ago in a Listed mile before extending out in trip and find her home.
She careered away with a Class 1 win at Balaklava over 2200m with the blinkers on for the first time before stepping up to 2545m for a Group 3 victory.
“When I was talking to Michael about her, I said what are your plans because the Queensland Oaks is there for her, and he said she bounced out the last win,” Watt said. “You don’t get opportunities to to win Group 1s too often and we get one next weekend.
“We got a deal done knowing she would be off to Brisbane and it would be fantastic to win a Group 1 with her but there is still plenty to come with her.”
Tim Clark has been booked to ride Fringes in the Oaks, where she is an $11 chance in a market where Chris Waller-trained pair Panova and Chispa are the favourites at $5.
Dynamic chalked up it 1000th win when Microgravity won at Port Macquarie on Wednesday. The Autumn Sun three-year-old become the 340th individual winner for the Syndicator, who is known for its “won it” ads and 49th victory this season.
“Dad [Dean Watt] has been around for a long time finding the right horses,” Watt said. “To get a 1000 winner is a remarkable achievement in just over 20 years, and it would be even better to start the next start with a group 1 winner next weekend.”
