It’s a Chris Waller quinella in this year’s Group 3 Hawkesbury Cup as New Mandate has powered down the middle of the course to score an impressive win second-up in the campaign.
In his fourth start since arriving from Europe this son of New Bay was ultra-impressive when set a task from worse than mid-field from barrier seven under James McDonald, however, was far too good when getting past stablemate Desert Icon ($41) with 150m left to run.
The 1600m journey was set up with a strong tempo for the backmarkers to come into play as Wild Champ and Kiss The Bride were the leading pair with the runner-up providing the perfect stalking position.
Jojo Was A Man ($7) was honest as ever finding third, while Just Folk would’ve liked more sting out of the ground as his hopes of a win may have been gone after an upgrade to a Good 4 surface.
New Mandate ($6.50) had been threatening a big performance though and with conditions to suit was able to produce his electrifying best on Saturday afternoon.
2023 Group 3 Hawkesbury Crown Replay – New Mandate
Charle Duckworth spoke again post-race on behalf of the Chris Waller team and was elated with the win.
“It’s exciting,” said Duckworth.
“James (McDonald) came and trialled him last Tuesday and said ‘whatever I’m riding for you in the Cup (Hawkesbury) it needs to be New Mandate’ and that was a good enough steer for us that he was going in the right direction.
“Look, he won that with a bit of authority, so it’s just nice to get a win on the board cause it’s been a while for the horse between drinks.
“We’ll regroup and work out exactly where we can go.”
James McDonald was glowing of his assessment of New Mandate as well.
“He travelled beautifully and he presented like the winner at the top of the straight,” said McDonald.
“He’s just building through his gears beautifully.
“He was so strong on the line, he never faltered at all and just kept on galloping.
“It was a very impressive win.”
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