Manhood brought up another milestone for Vinery sire Headwater with a welcome return to winning form in the Fujitsu Plate (1200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Sidelined since September, he raced on the pace and kept finding in the straight for Jag Guthmann-Chester. It was the 300th win for Headwater since Wisdom Of Water opened his account at the Gold Coast in January 2020.
Two years later, Wisdom Of Water won the $1 million Magic Millions QTIS Open (RL, 1300m) for Annabel Neasham and she also prepares Manhood after his previous trainer Michael Costa transferred to Dubai.
“He has come back a different horse,” assistant-trainer Todd Pollard said as the former boom colt returned to scale. “He was gelded and also had a wind op to help his breathing. They went quick but he absorbed the pressure even though it felt like he was in front for an eternity.
“We got him with a bit of a wrap. Michael loved him and it looks like he’s in for a nice prep.”
Manhood was bred by Pedrille Bloodstock’s Bob Hansberry and is the first foal of My Miss Pedrille (Lonhro) who is a full-sister to ATC Chelmsford Stakes (Gr.2, 1600m) winner O’Lonhro. Second-dam Mamzelle Pedrille (Zoffany) was a top-class mare winning 7 Stakes races in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Group 2 company in the STC Theo Marks Hcp at Rosehill.
Costa paid $35,000 him at the 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale and Headwater had several lots make six-figures at last month’s Classic Sale topped by the filly out of High Gloss (All American) that was purchased by Brad Widdup for $180,000.
Headwater has 7 yearlings going under the hammer at the Adelaide Magic Millions on Tuesday and Wednesday. The colt from General Nediym producer Military Gal (Lot 210) on account of Little Hills Pastoral comes highly recommended as a half-brother to five winners.
Little Hills owners Geoff and Christine Tucker bred and sold Headwater’s Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes winner Mileva at the 2019 Adelaide Magic Millions. She changed hands for $42,000 and her earnings to date are over $600,000.
