Trainer Dan Morton could not hide his admiration for Eternity Range gelding, Watermans Bay, following his record-breaking win in the Group 3 Scahill Stakes (1400m) at Ascot yesterday.
In almost identical fashion to last year’s race, Watermans Bay charged home from the rear of the field to chase down gallant mare, Magnifisio and become the first horse in history to win consecutive Scahill Stakes.
In many respects it was redemption for Watermans Bay, who a week ago ran his third straight placing in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m), taken out for the second time in three years by Queensland star, Buffering.
Morton said the seven-year-old, who has only been in his care for the past 12-months, was racing in career-best form and warranted an opportunity of racing on the international stage.
“I would like to think he could get an invitation somewhere,” Morton said.
“I’ve been to England before and they have planes to Hong Kong and Dubai.
“He is the real deal this horse and is very, very good.
“Buffering beat him but if not for a howling easterly he wins.
Buffering is getting invitations everywhere.
“Obviously he is a late maturing type who is coming into his own now.
“He deserves to have an opportunity of going somewhere.”
Morton is no stranger to international success after he prepared super sprinter, Scenic Blast, to win the Group 1 Kings Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2009.
It’s been a sterling two weeks for Morton after his talented Discorsi gelding, Man Booker, won the Group 2 WA Guineas (1600m).
Man Booker is in with a genuine show of taking out next Saturday’s Group 1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m).
He is currently quoted a $13 chance with the TAB.
Julio Santarelli