Marvellous broodmare Kisma added a third stakeswinner to her outstanding record when Counterattack, her 3YO son by Redoute's Choice, pounced late to win the $100,000 ATC Heritage S. 1100m LR at Randwick on Saturday.
Watch Counterattack win the Heritage S. LR.
Counterattack showed good ability last season, placing three times at Randwick & Rosehill, before his maiden win at Warwick Farm in April. That encouraged Chris Waller and owner-breeders Geoff & Mary Grimish to send him to Queensland where he ran fourth in two Group 2 races, and seventh in Press Statement's J.J. Atkins S. G1.
His development since then was evident at Randwick, as he launched a powerful sprint to run down the favourite Haptic and Takedown, both successful in stakes company last season.
Chris Waller confirmed the progress Counterattack made through the winter.
"He’s come back looking like an adult horse now and I guess that trip away and a bit of warmth in winter certainly helps. He’s got the makings of a good horse and he’s heading that way.”
He'll return to Randwick for the Roman Consul S. G2 on 3 October, with a trip to Melbourne possible after that.
Counterattack is the 124th stakeswinner for his champion sire, and the third stakeswinner, after Group 1 winners Shellscrape & Red Tracer, for Kisma (by Snippets), who is due to foal again to Redoute's Choice this Spring. All eight of Kisma's foals have won, with 35 wins to their collective credit.
Seven weeks into the new season, Redoute's Choice is on track to match or exceed his 2014/15 tally of 15 stakeswinners, with Group winners Royal Descent (also a gallant second in the George Main S. G1) & She's Clean as well as Counterattack already on the board.