Kandinsky Abstract (AUS)

2 c Zoustar – Solar Charged by Charge Forward

O: Coolmore, Wynaus, Westerberg, Mr J Poulin, Sir P J Vela, Chris Waller Racing, Lynque, Woppitt Bloodstock, Peachester Lodge Pty Ltd, Mr K J Pooley, Mrs J L Pooley, Rockingham Thoroughbreds, Mr R McClure, Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Mr S N Davidson, Mr D R Wagner

T: Chris Waller

S: 2022 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale V: Widden Stud P: Tom Magnier, $3 million

W: All Too Hard @ Vinery Stud Plate (1200m), Canterbury, May 3, 2023

A horse does not know its price tag but, even if Kandinsky Abstract (Zoustar) possessed an inclination as to his regal bloodlines, the bounding colt showed little signs of the pressure that comes with such resultant expectation when producing a taking performance on debut to win at Canterbury on Wednesday.

Even before the Sydney midweek fixture, Kandinsky Abstract – whose name derives from the Russian abstract painter, Wassily Kandinsky – had made headlines when selling for an eye-watering $3 million at last year’s Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, purchased by the might of Coolmore from the Widden Stud draft.

A brother to three-time Group 1 winner Sunlight, Kandinsky Abstract arrived into the contest after two trial appearances last month – the first when fourth over 735 metres at Randwick, followed by a third-placed finish at Rosehill over 900 metres, beaten four and a quarter lengths.

The colt was subsequently sent off a drifting $3.90 to salute in the 1200-metre two-year-old plate, behind the Peter and Paul Snowden-trained favourite Vomo Island (Dundeel), who defeated Kandinsky Abstract in the second of those trials.

Ridden by James McDonald, the Chris Waller-trained colt was settled in behind the leader on the rails and, once his rider found an opening in the straight, strode clear to defeat fellow debutant Celestial Legend (Dundeel) by a cosy length and a quarter.

No future plans have yet been established for Kandinsky Abstract, who holds entries for the BRC Sires’ Produce (Gr 2, 1400m) and JJ Atkins Plate (Gr 1, 1600m) during the Queensland winter carnival.

“Chris will make a plan with the owners but most importantly he got the win today and now it’s just seeing how he recovers from the race and we’ll make a call later in the week,” said Waller’s assistant trainer Damien Fitton.

McDonald returned with a positive report on Kandinsky Abstract after the debut win.

“He’s a very nice animal, moves extremely well with a great demeanour so he’s in for a bright future,” McDonald said.

“I just love the way he executed his gallop. He relaxed well in behind the pace and showed a really good turn of foot.”

Kandinsky Abstract is one of eight individual two-year-old winners this season for Widden Stud’s roster-leading stallion Zoustar (Northern Meteor).

The eighth foal out of Group 3 winner Solar Charged (Charge Forward), Kandinsky Abstract is a brother to, aside from champion filly Sunlight, Group 3 scorer Sisstar and the stakes-placed winner Dio.