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Converge out to give Waterhouse Sires success

3 minute read

Co-trainer impressed with youngster in lead up to Group 2.

CONVERGE.
CONVERGE. Picture: Martin King / Sportpix

AN improving Converge has settled in well since arriving in Queensland as he bids to give Gai Waterhouse success in one of the few juvenile features she's yet to win in her illustrious career.

Waterhouse's name is on the honour roll of the Group 1 J.J. Atkins, but the BRC Sires Produce has eluded her to date.

Converge won the Fernhill Handicap in Sydney before running third in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes and then being set for a Brisbane tilt.

Waterhouse's co-trainer Adrian Bott was on hand to watch Converge work at Eagle Farm on Tuesday and was impressed with how the the son of Frankel has come through his Sydney campaign.

"It was nice sharp work, exactly what we wanted to see coming up here with him," Bott said.

"He stretched out beautifully. Really happy with the way he found the line.

"He's had a good week to settle in since the nice trial at Wyong. He's had a little freshen up since his run in the Champagne.

"I thought he still looked very sharp and it's good to have him look around the course proper."

Bott said it's possible Converge has improved since Sydney as he takes on a race featuring huge depth, headed by emerging local youngster Prince Of Boom.

"He's only lightly raced, but I thought he continued to improve throughout that last campaign. The good strong run over the mile seasoned him up nicely," Bott said.

"Mentally he seems to be a lot more switched on.

"If we can take a line through that, I would like to think he can continue to improve this campaign."

The stable also has Maranoa running in the Group 1 Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm, backing up from a second to Rebel Rama at Rosehill seven days ago.

"It's a little bit of an ask for him, raising the bar, (but) I thought the run was full of merit over 2000m for the first time. He bowled along, set a strong tempo and stuck on gamely," Bott said.

"He came through the run really well and came through the trip well.

"He's a horse with plenty of talent, plenty of upside and the extra trip should be a benefit to him."


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