Headwater has celebrated a Sydney metropolitan winner for the last two consecutive Staturdays. First was Vinery graduate Strait Acer (Money Wanted) and last weekend saw Tristate (Jahre) Anthony Cummings was confident his Headwater sprinter Tristate could return to form after a long run of outs in the TAB We’re On Hcp (1100m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
And being the good judge that he is, Tristate took the lead under Chad Schofield and cruised to a two-length victory despite the steadier of 59kg. It was his first win since a running double at Randwick and Gosford two years ago.
“I think he can build on that win and get back into Stakes company,” Cummings said. “I thought there were big things in store for him as a three-year-old. He won those races in the spring and then finished third to Home Affairs and Paulele in the Heritage Stakes.
“They both went on with it but he missed the autumn. He had some issues and just wasn’t quite right when he came in so I sent him back to the paddock.”
Tristate was competitive with three placings without winning in six starts last season but Cummings believes that black-type mojo is back this prep. “His form has actually been quite strong and that’s why I thought today would be the day.
‘The owners have been very patient and now we will build his rating. That was a soft win and the weight scale will probably force him back up to Stakes grade anyway.”
Tristate cost $150,000 out of the Glastonbury Farms consignment at the 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale. He’s paid that back in full with $280,000 in prizemoney for a partnership that includes Bob Craig, John Johnstone, David Hamilton, Alan Orr, Paul Jens and Robert Moir.
He was bred by a partnership that includes John Johnstone (Packaging Investments) and Duncan Grimley (Stud Consultants) and is one of 7 winners from 7 foals from Jahre (Encosta De Lago). It’s the family of Champion South African mare Laisserfaire and Australian Stakes winners Time Thief, Personify and Foreplay.
Tristate is also one of 15 Stakes performers by Vinery Stud sire Headwater and one of the most promising is his 3yo filly She Turns Heads who holds a nomination for the NZ 1000 Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m) at Riccarton on November 18.
She Turns Heads is a half-sister to Scribe (Press Statement) who was pre-post favourite for the 2022 Karaka Millions 3yo Classic (LR, 1600m) only to be scratched when purchased by Hong Kong clients of David Hayes. They were bred by Vinery from Convene (Zizou) who is a half-sister to VRC Coolmore Stud Stakes (Gr.1, 1200m) winner Headway (Charge Forward).
She Turns Heads finished within three lengths of Tokyo Tycoon in this year’s Karaka Millions 2yo Classic (LR, 1200m) despite filling the steward’s report with details of her difficulties in running.
Carlaw Park sold her for $170,000 to Te Akau Racing’s David Ellis at the 2022 NZ National Yearling Sale. “She’s an outstanding individual and was very well-liked during pre-sale inspections,” Carlaw’s Nick Fairweather said at Karaka. “She’s one of the nicest fillies I’ve ever pinhooked.”
Vinery stands Headwater for a $13,200 service fee (inc GST). For bookings or further information, please contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).
