Wag Star returns to winning form in Wyndham Cup

Recently pacer Wag Star (Sweet Lou) has had some health issues and he hadn’t had a win since September of last year. However he narrowly took away the winning stakes in today’s $25,000 MLT Wyndham Cup.

“If it could go wrong it has gone wrong with this fella. He’s had viruses, foot problems and tough runs. It couldn’t be more pleasing for things to go our way today,” trainer driver Craig Ferguson said.

The field settled in single file early and with a lap to run Matty Williamson took Macandrew Aviator to the front, leaving Miraculous parked with Wag Star lobbing the one one.

“We couldn’t be luckier to land in the one one when we did. It was perfect.”

Balancing up for the run home Ferguson pulled off the back of Miraculous and when he pulled the ear plugs Wag Star found another gear, but had one final battle with American Me who was coming up the passing lane.

WAG STAR REPLAY

“He was travelling super and the further he went the better he felt. When we got to the 500 he really got up on the bit and was travelling. I thought he was going to be pretty hard to beat from there. He’s still got a bit to learn. He hit the front and knocked off and I thought Blair (Blair Orange driving American Me) was going to get me, but to his credit he stuck on. There are still a few work ons.”

Today was the first time the five year old has raced over 3200 metres.

“I always thought he would (go 3200 metres). He’s shown in his races that he’s pretty tough. I didn’t think it would be a worry but you want to run like that to find out I guess.”

The winning time was 3-59.2. The 3200 metre race record of 3-57.0 is held by the 2014 winner Franco Ledger.

“It’s only the second time I’ve driven that guy at the races. He just cruises so well and I didn’t think we were going that quick at all. I’ve always wanted to train a winner (of the Wyndham Cup) I drove a winner (Wrath Of Robyn in 2015). They went 4-17 that day so it was a bit quicker today.”

The start of today’s pacing feature was delayed after Wag Star pulled a shoe.

“I saw the shoe when it came off and I was hoping he hadn’t stood on a nail. We were lucky to get through that one okay (laughter).”

The gelding was bred by Bill McDowell and his wife Mary who share in the ownership with Bill and Pauline Bain of Roxburgh. Today was just his 20th start.

“In those early days he was able to bully them a wee bit but in this grade you can’t do that. There’s not too much between a whole bunch of them and it probably comes down to who gets the right run.”

Wag Star has a habit of either leading or looping the field and then leading. Ferguson said the fact that he raced in the field was a pleasing aspect of today’s win.

“If we’re going to build him into a nice horse we’re going to have to look after him like that and teach him how to race that way.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink