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McDonald unveils latest sharp 3YO

Thursday, 19 Sep 2024
McDonald unveils latest sharp 3YO
Clinton McDonald has no shortage of smart three-year-olds in his yard, and he may have another to add to the collection in Andrina, who won smartly on debut at Sandown on Wednesday.

The $180,000 Noorilim Park (who retained a share in the ownership) product was a well-backed second favourite after some sharp jump outs, but had to overcome some pre-race drama when her bridle snapped as she was loading.

She drifted from $3.90 to $4.20 in this time, but her attitude was faultless as the gear was fixed, and she maintained this manner throughout the 1300 metre contest.

Settled in the one-out one-back spot by Jamie Kah, Andrina eased out professionally and looked all of a winner at the 300m mark, but favourite Romani Ite Domum ($3.50) was in for the fight.

However, Andrina worked through her gears and got the upper hand in the final 100m, edging clear for an impressive debut victory.

Though it’s taken some time to get the big filly racing, McDonald was delighted with the win and envisages a big future for the daughter of Written Tycoon.

“She’s a filly that’s been a big work in progress, and Jamie’s done a bit of work on her at home – she’s 16’3, she’s a big filly,” he said.

“She’s still learning what it’s all about, she’s growing into her action. She trialled up really well and we’ve just been really pleased with her progress.

“I’ve just said, ‘she needs to take time,’ so that’s what we’ve done. I think the more time we give this filly, she’ll grow into a beautiful august three-year-old or four-year-old.

“The staff have always sort of doubted me, but I could see that she would grow into something… she’s got a bright future, and we’re looking forward to seeing where she can go.”

McDonald also trains 2024 Blue Diamond winner Hayasugi, who was enormous in the G1 Moir Stakes first-up, as well as Angel Capital, who stunned from last in the Listed McKenzie Stakes.

The latter will go to the 1400m G3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude this weekend, where he is a $4 second-favourite, and McDonald was pleased with his barrier draw of three.

“It’s nice, it gives Ben (Melham) options for however he wants to ride him,” he said.

“Like he said, I’m the trainer, he’s the jockey, so he can work that out. The horse is fit, well and ready to go.”

Darcy Cosgriff