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Mamaragan’s takes out Saturday's Skyline Stakes

Newgate Farm-based Wandjina (Snitzel) was handed his first stakes winner courtesy of Mamaragan’s (2 c ex Forbidden by General Nediym) victory in the Skyline Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m) - which holds automatic entry for the Golden Slipper Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m). 

The two-year-old colt proved too hard to reel in, eventually beating Osamu (Exceed And Excel) by a length and a quarter. 

“I’m not a trainer that aims horses up at the Slipper but he has just been a natural from day one and I’m rapt to have one in it,” John Thompson said.

“The sky’s the limit. You saw today he was very raw in front. He didn’t know what to do but he will improve a lot from the run.”

Thompson had been so impressed by the youngster at home he was the only two-year-old kept in the Golden Slipper mix.

“He was the only one I accepted with,” Thompson said.

“I’m sure he will do well, he was a good-doing colt with a great attitude and it’s exciting.”

Purchased by his trainer for $180,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from the draft of Newgate Farm, the colt is out of Forbidden (General Nediym), whose two other foals are also winners. 

Forbidden is herself out of Listed winner Dance Hit (Tights) making her a half-sister to Group 2 winner Son Of Maher (Al Maher) and Listed winner Dance With Her (Al Maher). She was covered by Flying Artie (Artie Schiller) last year having produced a filly by Foxwedge. 

Wandjina stood his fifth season at Newgate Farm last year for a fee of $22,000 (inc GST).