Headwater sprinter Stop The Water ran his rivals ragged with a dominant front-running display over 1400m at Kranji on Sunday.
Stop The Water had commenced his Singapore career with wins in December and January before trainer Steven Burridge brought him back for a second prep on July 21. He was bumped on several occasions in the straight that day but 4kg claimer Sazali Ramli took luck out of the equation on Sunday.
“My boss Mr Burridge gave me the ride and I’m thankful for that,” Sazali said. “I worked him on Monday and it’s very hard to get such good rides. He jumped well and went to the front. I just cuddled him along the way and he gave his best shot in the straight.”
Stop The Water (4g Headwater – Absolvent by Encosta de Lago) shot four lengths clear approaching the home turn and had enough in reserve to comfortably account for Pacific Warrior (Snitzel) and Amazing Breeze (He’s Remarkable).
He had been shipped off-shore unraced in July 2023 following a close second in a Hawkesbury trial for trainer Blake Ryan. Kingstar Farm bred him using Headwater over Absolvent who is a half-sister to Krupt (STC Todman Stakes Gr.2) and Anevay (VRC Talindert Stakes LR). Their fourth-dam is Canadian-bred blue-hen Fanfreluche (Northern Dancer).
The Headwater cross with Encosta De Lago has an 83% strike-rate and the Vinery stallion is coming off an equal career-best season as a 2yo sire in 2023-24. The Stephen Farley-trained Aquafire was his 13th individual juvenile winner of the season at Grafton on July 7 and that squared the ledger with his tally as a freshman in 2019-20.
Headwater finished third on the Australian 2yo premiership for winners behind Written Tycoon (19) and Snitzel (14). They are both standing for well over $200,000 this season while Headwater is priced at a very competitive $9,900 (inc GST) with payment on a live foal. For bookings or further information contact Adam, Harry, McKoy or Peter on (02) 6543 8333.
This year’s Vinery Open Days are on Saturday 24 August and Sunday 25 August. Gates open at 8:30am and the stallions start parading at 9am. Registration is essential so that it can be correctly catered to avoid wastage. Contact McKoy on (02) 6543 8333 or mckoy@vinery.com.au
