$1.8m colt delivers as luckless favourite gets no favours

A return to a firmer surface has helped blue-blooded colt Horologist notch an impressive maiden win at Warwick Farm as luck deserted stablemate and race favourite Quarterback.

A $1.8 million yearling, Horologist is by proven stallion Written Tycoon out of dual Group 1-winning sprinter In Her Time and enjoyed an unimpeded run down the outside to comfortably take out Wednesday’s Asahi Super Dry Plate (1400m).

Representing winning trainer, Chris Waller, Darren Beadman said the three-year-old enjoyed the drier conditions after placing at his two starts on rain-affected ground over the winter.

“Getting back on top of the ground was the key to him. Even though it’s a soft five, it’s a pretty good surface for all competitors today,” Beadman said.

“It was nice to tick that box and get him on the board.

“He’s part of the colt syndicate with Coolmore and he’s out of a very well bred mare. I loved the way he put them away with such ease.”

Beadman said Horologist had shown ability as a juvenile, but needed time to mature.

With the confidence of a win behind him, he hoped the three-year-old could continue to climb through the grades.

“He’s not an overly robust type of horse. He just needed to furnish and have that time,” Beadman said.

“We gave him a couple of runs, tipped him out, brought him back and it has paid dividends being patient with him.

“He’s always shown nice potential at home, but it was just a matter of having him strong enough to be able to compete at that level.

“That will help build his confidence.”

Ridden by Sam Clipperton, Horologist ($6) scored by 1-3/4 lengths over Master Chief ($101) with the winner’s barn mate Snitzel A’La Rouge ($26) another long neck away third.

One of Waller’s other runners, Quarterback, started a $2.35 favourite but was hopelessly blocked for a run in the straight, only getting out over the final stages and cruising to the line untested to finish seventh.