Home Affairs has added his name to James McDonald’s enviable list of potential Golden Slipper rides, emerging as a strong contender with his victory in the Silver Slipper.
The leading jockey is yet to commit to a mount in the $3.5 million race but has ridden a number of the major fancies, including unbeaten colt Stay Inside and Home Affair’s stablemate Shaquero.
He had nothing but praise for Home Affairs, a son of top stallion I Am Invincible, who was narrowly run down by Godolphin’s Zethus on debut.
“He’s a beautiful colt. He’s got killer looks and he’s got good ability with it,” McDonald said.
“He should be probably unbeaten to be fair. He was left a sitting shot and just needed the run on that soft ground last start.
“He is still learning his craft so he is very green, still raw and I think once he puts it all together he’ll be a goodie.”
Home Affairs ($3.60) camped off the speed set by Victorian and eventual third placegetter Direct ($17), surging clear halfway up the straight and staving off the challenge of country-trained youngster Rocket Tiger ($16) by a short neck.
The runner-up turned in a terrific effort after bumping his way out of a pocket and knuckling down late to just miss.
Waller indicated Home Affairs was likely to have another run before heading to the Golden Slipper at Rosehill on March 20.
He believes the colt has the attitude and ability to be a force in the juvenile showpiece after overcoming difficulties to win Saturday’s lead up race.
“We had to use him up a bit early, which wasn’t ideal, but at the same time it’s a ticket into the Golden Slipper and an important stepping stone for a horse like him with his pedigree,” Waller said.
Tulloch Lodge’s exciting stayer Sacramento stretched his winning run to three, leading throughout in the Listed Parramatta Cup (1900m).
Co-trainer Adrian Bott said they would continue to raise the bar for the four-year-old, who is on a Sydney Cup path.
“He’s got a nomination for the Sydney Cup, that’s an ultimate goal,” Bott said.
