Wishing Well - You're So Swell

A perfect trip assured Wishing Well  (3 f Charm Spirit - Starwish, by Redoute's Choice) victory in the $10,000 Maiden 3YO 1340 metres on 14 January at Wanganui.

Having done well off the trail for second to Frontman (Makfi) - entered for Levin Classic (Gr. 1, 1600m) on Saturday at Trentham - in the Maiden 3YO 1400 metres on 28 December at Rotorua, Wishing Well broke through at her fourth start for owner/breeder James Chapman at Jamieson Park.

Sweet seating fourth for rider Danielle Johnson, Wishing Well looked the winner a long way from home and pulled clear under a hand ride after taking over a furlong out. It was a soft victory, following second in what should prove a notable form race, and she appears capable of further success.

In the race sponsored by Wanganui Racehorse Owners Association, Wishing Well was surprisingly overlooked in betting, given her last start effort, and drifted to return $6.50 & $2.10 on the NZ TAB tote. 

The win put leading trainer Jamie Richards into the 90s at a very early stage of the season. Chasing down a New Zealand record (143), Richards dominates statistical facets and his meticulous placement of horses is reaping rewards. 

“It was good win, pleasing to see and James Chapman and Sam Munro, at Jamieson Park, are really upping the ante in their business,” Richards said. “They're investing in stallions and broodmares and I believe as breeders they are going to produce some very good horses in coming years.

“Wishing Well has always shown plenty of ability, but a project in getting her to do things our way rather than wanting to overdo it all the time. 

“She ran really well for second to the brother of Bonneval at Rotorua, and given a good ride from Danielle (Johnson) it all looked like it was going to come together. So, very pleased with that and she's a filly that can work her way through the grades. 

“Hunter Durrant, who rides a majority of her work, has done a really good job in getting her to settle. She hasn't been the most straightforward, but the team at the Uni Barn: Shay, Anna, and Crystal, have all done a good job and she's getting there now.”

Wishing Well is from the second crop of triple Group 1 winner Charm Spirit (Invincible Spirit), out of a Redoute's Choice (Danehill) mare that has now left six winners of 16 races (1000m - 1400m).

“She's a well bred filly and nice to get a win out of her,” Chapman said. “I know Jamie is quite impressed with her, although not that easy to handle and it's taken a bit of time to work her out. 

“Jamie is obviously getting there with her now and hopefully there are better things in store. One real attribute she has is coming out of the gates quickly and certainly, today, it looks like it's coming together. 

“I liked the way she went over the line. She had her head down and looked like she was enjoying it.”

The year younger sister to Good Luck Charm, the winner of two from four before transferring to race in Hong Kong, Wishing Well carries a Danzig cross through her sire lines, while dam Starwish has a cross of brilliant Australian sprinter Bletchingly. 

Wishing Well was strapped by Ashley Handley

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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