Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Veteran Mt Helena trainer Ray Williams well remembers when prominent breeder and owner Rob Tomlinson asked him almost two years ago to cast his eye over three-year-old New Zealand pacer Vanderbilt.
Tomlinson, one of WA’s leading owners who is the major shareholder of superstar Magnificent Storm, was keen to get the opinion of Williams, an astute judge of horseflesh.
And once Williams had watched video recordings of Vanderbilt at his two starts at Addington in June 2023, he had no hesitation in recommending the youngster to Tomlinson.
“Robbie rang me and asked if I would have a look at Vanderbilt,” said Williams. “The horse had had two starts, both in stands for a fourth and a third placing.
“On debut Vanderbilt began slowly and gave the others so such start. But he simply kept on going to finish fourth. He also put in a similar performance at his second start.”
At his first appearance Vanderbilt galloped badly from the No. 1 barrier and settled down a distant last in the field of eleven runners. He was still last, ten lengths behind the leader, 600m from home before finishing powerfully out five wide to finish fourth behind Choco Lou.
At his next start Vanderbilt was trapped out wide early before being restrained back to 13TH in the field of 14. He was 11TH at the 400m before running home out four wide to finish a close third behind Winnyzback and Don Juan.
Williams has no regrets that he purchased Vanderbilt and races the five-year-old gelding in partnership with several stable clients.
Vanderbilt was the $1.20 favourite from barrier six in the $25,000 Garrard’s Horse And Hound Autumn Series final at Gloucester Park on Friday night when Aldo Cortopassi drove him to a convincing victory over Chasing Hill ($8.50) and Mister Piccolo ($41).
Vanderbilt raced three wide early and then in the breeze before overtaking the pacemaking Chasing Hill 250m from home. He rated a smart 1.55.5 over 2130m and improved his record to 25 starts for ten wins, six placings and $84,606. He is by Always B Miki and is the fifth foal out of Traceys Delight, who had 14 starts without a win and four placings for earnings of $3327.
“I’m always a bit worried when my horse is in the breeze,” said Williams. “But I knew he has plenty of ability and keeps on trying. He took a while to settle after getting here and now his past four or five runs show that he has turned the corner.
“He is a good doer and nothing worries him. I reckon when he comes back (after a spell) he will be a lot better horse.”