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Waller-trained son of I Am Invincible breaks his maiden on debut
Making his career debut, the Chris Waller-trained Minsk Moment (2 c I Am Invincible - Dancing Express by Oratorio) put up an impressive effort to win Wednesday’s Vinery Stud Maiden Handicap (1250m) at Canterbury.
Bought for $575,000 by James Bester and Coolmore Stud from the draft of Yarraman Park Stud at last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Minsk Moment ran on in the straight under James McDonald to challenge long-time leader Stick To Your Guns (Capitalist) and that pair battled it out with the son of I Am Invincible (Invincible Spirit) getting up to score by a nose. Bend The Knee (Snitzel) was another four and a half lengths back in third.
Minsk Moment came into the race having won a barrier trial on June 4 before finishing third in another Rosehill trial last week.
We are blessed to have a lovely crop of colts this year," said Waller’s stable representative Charlie Duckworth.
"It's taken a bit of time to get to the bottom of this guy and work out where he sits.
"He trialled well leading into today. He drew a perfect barrier, and you don't like to give them too hard a time, especially first-up on a heavy track.
"It seemed that every time James went for him, he would surge but did not know how to put the race to bed. I'm sure he will improve enormously."
The colt is the first foal out of Group 3 placed Oratorio (Stravinsky) mare Dancing Express. His second dam is Ladies Dancing (Zabeel) who also produced Listed winning gelding Stagnite (Danehill Express) while further back this is the family of 2009 New Zealand Derby (Gr 1, 2400m) winner Coniston Bluebird (Scenic).
Minsk Moment became the 14th juvenile winner for Yarraman Park’s I Am Invincible this year in Australia with his leading two-year-old earner this season being She’s All Class.
