A very special day for Bennett Racing dominating the Group 2 The Damien Oliver at Flemington on Saturday, as Warnie nabbed the ultra-tough Zou Sensation on the line. For Bennett Racing to quinella such an important Gr2 race on Derby Day was such a thrill not only for all owners in both horses but also for the Bennett racing Team themselves.
Warnie was having his 9th run since resuming with a luckless 4th in the Listed Takeover Target Stks way back in May and subsequent starts had produced some placings in stakes races albeit without much luck. He had produced a great run for 2nd behind star galloper Private Eye last start and he looked very well placed here in the Gr2 Damian Oliver Stks over 1400m ( the old time honoured Linlithgow Stks).
Last start rider Ben Allen elected to ride Zou Sensation, who he had won on the start before, so Mark Zahra jumped on Warnie. The race looked to map so well for Warnie who hasn’t enjoyed much luck this prep. There was speed from known leaders and from the draw Mark could have him blending in from the 400m. Regal Zeus missed the kick giving Zou Sensation the lead thu he got softened up a bit mid race running 34.06s from 1200-600m when pressured by Media World and Mighty Ulysees. Warnie was given a lovely trail 3 out with cover by Zahra, let down in the straight beautifully and set out after Zou Sensation. Zou Sensation proved hard to pass, as usual, but the early pressure he copped took its toll late and Zahra lifted Warnie for his first Stakes win in Australia, after three placings.
Zahra was confident as the race panned out and Warnie followed Payline into contention, though wary that his mount has struggled to put races away recently. As such, he asked for a big effort once off the back of the Queensland visitor and Warnie responded with vigour, putting in the big bounds for a strong victory. “He’s been a horse that has run a few placings, but he had to be digging in for the fight at the 50m and he put paid to the other horse,” Zahra said. “When I pulled him out, you know he had to do it. “He had to be mentally tough then and it was a good job. The horse has sort of got a reputation for running a place, it’s good to see him put it on the board.” The overall time 1m21.62s was a whopping +6.18lens better than standard and only 1.02s off the track record from 33 years ago. They never break 1m22s now!
The ever-consistent Zou Sensation arguably could’ve won the race if not for being taken on early but he was just unbelievable again and what a prep he’s had, winning at Listed level last start which had followed a terrific run at Gr1 level in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stks.
Previously a winner at Listed level in Ireland, Warnie IRE was purchased from the 2023 Tattersalls 2yo HIT Sale by Bennett Racing / Blandford Bdstk – 65000gns. He is a son of International Champion Highland Reel, a brilliant global flag bearer for Aidan O’Brien’s all-conquering Ballydoyle stable in County Tipperary, Ireland. Warnie IRE winning dam Cumbfree is a daughter of English 2000 Guinea’s winner & successful sire Footstepinthesand and a ½ sister to French Listed winner On Call Now. Warnie’s 2nd dam is a ½ sister to Group 2 winning & Group 1 placed sire Hellvelyn.
Congratulations and what a great thrill for all Warnie owners to win a Gr2 race on arguably Australia’s best race day and a big thankyou to Ciaron Maher and his Team for having the faith in his ability to win such a prestigious race.
