Mcwoody's Wonderful Debut

Three-year-old colt Mcwoody (3 c Alabama Express – Queen Ouija, by Street Cry) made the best possible start to his racing career when winning the A$32,000 Crothers & Associates Maiden 1590 metres on Tuesday 16 September at Wodonga (Victoria).

Having run home well for third over 1400 metres in a jump out on 1 September at Cranbourne, won by stable-mate Azazel (Shocking) who debuted with a victory on 11 September at Seymour, Mcwoody drew a perfect gate (2) to receive an economical trip. 

Ridden by experienced jockey Patrick Moloney, Mcwoody was looking for room behind the leaders rounding the home turn at the 400m, became held up in tight quarters, but surged through late to claim race favourite Pleasing Smile.

It was a particularly good debut effort, displaying the wherewithal and turn of foot in a tricky situation.  

On Good4 footing, Mcwoody ran 1590 metres in 1:38.5 on the 1700-metre circuit and paid $4.40 & $1.60 on the NZ TAB tote.

“It was great to see him win like that, first time to the races, especially at the mile distance first-up,” said trainer Mark Walker.

“He was held up and would have been desperately unlucky not to win. He needed a gap and I thought his acceleration was really good when he presented.

“He’s got a very good staying pedigree, so we’ll look to step him up in distance and, being a three-year-old, everyone dreams of a Derby.”

Mcwoody was purchased by Rikki McDonald Consulting for A$27,500 at the 2024 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale, from the draft of Yulong Stud. 

Owned by Ms R A McDonald & Divitiae Racing (Mgr: J Lynn), Mcwoody is from the second crop of Group 1 C F Orr Stakes' winner Alabama Express, a race also won by his Champion Sire Redoute’s Choice (Danehill).

Standing at Yulong Stud in Victoria, Alabama Express has made a terrific start to his stallion career, with his progeny approaching 100 wins already. His headline acts include four-time Group 1 winner Treasure The Moment: victorious in the VRC Oaks (2500m), Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m), Australian Oaks (2400m), and also a sensational fresh-up winner this season of the Memsie Stakes (1400m).

Mcwoody is the second winner out of Queen Ouija, who recorded four wins to 2400 metres. By Street Cry (Machiavellian), the sire of Winx, she has also left Dunwoody (Preferment), winner of the Listed VRC St Leger (3000m). 

Interestingly, Treasure The Moment, who has also won three Group Two races, is also out of a Street Cry mare, Draconic Treasure. 

Adding to the strength of sires on the dam side of Mcwoody, his grand-dam is by Sadler’s Wells, third dam by Shirley Heights, and fourth dam by Habitat. 

Mcwoody was strapped by Rachel Ames.