Coastwatch (AUS)
Coastwatch (AUS)
2 c Fastnet Rock – Bullion Mansion by Encosta De Lago
O: Coolmore, Wynaus, Westerberg, J Poulin, Sir P J Vela, Chris Waller Racing, Lynque, Woppitt Bloodstock, Peachester Lodge Pty Ltd, K J Pooley, Mrs J L Pooley, Rockingham Thoroughbreds & R McClure
B: Cobra Bloodstock Australia
T: Chris Waller
S: 2020 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale V: Coolmore Stud P: Mulcaster Bloodstock, $750,000
W: Two-Year-Old Maiden Plate, 1400m, March 17, Randwick
After a relatively difficult start to his racing career in the spring, the Chris Waller-trained Coastwatch (Fastnet Rock) got off the mark at the fourth time of asking with a battling last-stride victory first-up at Randwick on Wednesday.
Purchased for $750,000 from last year’s Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, Coastwatch began his two-year-old campaign by beating just one rival home in a two-year-old handicap at Rosehill.
He improved to grab third on his next start, but finished last of eight on his final spring outing when suffering an irregular heartbeat.
Sent off at $14 after a three-month break from competitive action, the James McDonald-ridden son of Fastnet Rock (Danehill) seemed to appreciate the step-up in trip to 1400 metres when fighting off Gin Martini (Rip Van Winkle) and Maurice’s Medad (Maurice) to score in a photo.
“It’s amazing how much these two-year-olds can change,” said Waller. “Last preparation he was very excitable.
“He was worrying about everything else except being a racehorse. He felt the pinch at his last start (cardiac arrhythmia) and he’s come back as a completely different horse.
“He is a decent horse. I know he has only won a midweek but I like the way he did it and obviously first up over 1400 metres, I think there is a bit of improvement to come.”
Out of Encosta De Lago (Fairy King) mare Bullion Mansion, Coastwatch is a half brother to 2017 Caulfield Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m) winner Mighty Boss (Not A Single Doubt).
Bullion Mansion, a two-time winner on the track with five winners from six runners as a broodmare, is also the dam of the stakes-placed Shiralee (Stratum).
Bullion Mansion has a yearling colt by Pierro (Lonhro) – who will be offered at this year’s Inglis Easter Yearling Sale (Lot 228) – and a weanling filly by Coolmore shuttler Justify (Scat Daddy). She was again covered by Pierro last December.
Fastnet Rock, who will be represented in Saturday’s Golden Slipper (Gr 1, 1200m) by the Waller-trained Skyline Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m) winner O’President, has had six two-year-old winners in Australia this season.