WIDDUP'S DANDY START TO NEW SEASON

WEDNESDAY: August 28, 2024: BRAD Widdup had praise for both horse and jockey at Canterbury today after continuing his brilliant start to the season.

Widdup made it 10 wins in the first month of the new racing year when High Dandy ($1.60 favorite), ridden by Tyler Schiller, took the Benchmark 72 Handicap (1550m).

A lightly-raced four-year-old son of classic winner Ace High (2017 Victoria Derby), High Dandy took the lead in the back straight and defeated Sweysive ($8) and Noble Conqueror ($3.20).

After being thrown in the “deep end” contesting races such as the Group 2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens and Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick in autumn, Widdup says his four-year-old is now more mature.

“That was a good win today; he really dug deep when challenged in the straight,” he said.

“But I’m not in a hurry with him.

“I’d like to find another Benchmark race for High Dandy next.”

As for winning rider Schiller, Widdup was indeed complimentary.

“Tyler is a class rider,” he said. “He has shown he is right up there with the best in the 12 months or so since coming out of his apprenticeship.

“He did the right thing by allowing High Dandy to stride to the front when he was a bit keen in the back straight behind Sweysive.”

High Dandy had resumed with a runaway near seven lengths victory in a Class 1 Handicap (1500m) at Hawkesbury on August 13.

Whilst Widdup understandably is delighted with the manner in which he has started the season, he is hoping his winning run can stretch out a bit further before September comes around in a few days.

“I’ve got a couple of runners (Fun Sunday and Ramius) at Newcastle tomorrow, and also will have starters at Kembla Grange on Saturday,” he said.

“Fun Sunday was withdrawn from a Benchmark 78 Handicap (2400m) at Royal Randwick last Saturday to contest a Benchmark 64 Handicap (2260m) at Newcastle, and she should be very competitive.”