WIDDUP HUNTING WEEKEND GROUP 1 TRIUMPH
After saddling the lightly-raced Lion Hunt for an impressive first-up victory, Hawkesbury’s leading trainer has turned his focus to Saturday’s $1m Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) for three-year-olds at Rosehill Gardens.
His hopes rest with the beautifully-bred and $750,000 yearling purchase Tenenbaum, who goes into the Group 1 feature on the back of a solid minor placing at the same distance and at the same track at his previous start.
Tenenbaum (Chad Schofield) remarkably opened the $101 outsider of the 13-horse line-up with TAB.com.au after barriers were released on Tuesday morning, and has had no shortage of admirers, firming to $34.
“He is in terrific order,” Widdup said this evening of his colt.
“I couldn’t be any happier with him.
“He has raced twice at the Golden Rose 1400m in his five career starts (which include two wins), and that surely is in his favour.”
Tenenbaum has raced twice this preparation, scoring easily first-up over 1200m at Canterbury last month before an excellent third to Persian Wonder in the Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) at Rosehill a fortnight ago.
Widdup posted his 11th winner of the season – and career 496th – when Lion Hunt ($1.50 favorite) had no trouble shedding his maiden status at home today at only his second start.
He was more than three lengths ahead of fellow Hawkesbury trainer Tommy Wong’s Banner Banner ($11) at the end of the Evergreen Turf Provincial Maiden Handicap (1300m).
Wyong trainer Sara Ryan’s Basilica Babe ($12) made the running and battled on well to finish third.
Lion Hunt, a three-year-old gelded son of Palace Pier, made his debut at Kembla Grange on June 2 when third – and not beaten far - in another 1300m Provincial Maiden.
Widdup trains him for North Queensland owner Joe Rapisarda, who bred him from his Uncle Mo mare St Covet’s Spirit, who won only the one race at Canterbury in September 2019, but was placed on eight occasions.
Sadly, she passed away only two months ago.
“I’ve had to take my time with Lion Hunt, but have a good opinion of him,” Widdup said.
“Hopefully today’s win will see him go on to better things.”
Widdup also had good news to report about his classy mare Savvy Hallie, who was galloped on from behind in winning the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill a fortnight ago.
The setback meant Widdup had to abandon plans to take her south for the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Sunday.
“Savvy Hallie worked well this morning,” Widdup said.
“Provided she continues to do well, we have the option of going to the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday week.”
Widdup also is awaiting an invitation to run the mare in the $2m Group 2 The Invitation (1400m) against her own sex at Randwick on October 24.
He won the fillies and mares’ feature in 2021 with his maiden Group 1 winner Icebath.
