It was only a matter of centimetres but the connections of Headwater filly Typhoon Titmus are hoping that won’t make a difference when the field is finalised for the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield.
Typhoon Titmus was beaten a half-length when fifth in a blanket finish to the Jim Moloney Stakes (LR, 1400m) at Sandown on Sunday and that leaves her on the borderline for the 3yo fillies classic on Wednesday, October 12.
Trained by Robbie Griffiths and Mat de Kock, she spaced a Pakenham maiden on debut in August and quickly graduated to a black-type placing in the VRC Cap D’Antibes Stakes (LR, 1100m) at Flemington earlier this month.
“It was a super effort at Sandown but we would have been a whole lot happier if she had run at least third again instead of fifth,” de Kock said. “So was Damien (Oliver) and he wants the ride if she makes the cut for the Guineas.
“Sunday proved she’s up to that grade and she has pulled up 100 percent.”
Griffiths and de Kock will play a waiting game with a large syndicate of owners that includes her breeder Rupert Legh. She is currently quoted at $26 by the TAB for the Thousand Guineas.
Headwater sired her from Flemington winner Little Indian (Not A Single Doubt) and she took the eye when knocked down for $200,000 from the Blue Gum Farm draft at the 2021 Inglis Melbourne Gold Yearling Sale.
“She’s a terrific example for the Gold Sale whereby a nice filly who gets a little bit more time to physically and mentally mature can really come into her own,” Blue Gum’s Phil Campbell said at Oaklands. “That’s exactly what this filly did.”
Typhoon Titmus has validated Campbell’s comments and those of Griffiths – de Kock Racing manager Corey Smith. “She’s been our most expensive purchase,” Smith said immediately after the Gold Sale. “She has a great walk and a strong shoulder and our team thought she was the best filly in the Sale.”
Headwater had boosted his winner-count on Friday with a TAB four-timer courtesy of You’ll be Mist (Sunshine Coast), Oakeys Choice (Goulburn), Broadwater (Ewan), and Tidal Rush in the Vinery Stud Hcp (1400m) at Scone.
He also sired a trifecta at the Toowoomba Cup meeting on Saturday night when Be Water My Friend stormed home to defeat Maya Bay and the favourite Manhood in the Moore Trailers Hcp (1200m).
Headwater and Pride Of Dubai have both sired 21 individual winners of 25 races this season to lead all stallions who retired to stud in Australia in 2016.
Vinery stands Headwater for a $16,500 (inc GST) service fee. For bookings or further information, please contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).
