Headwater sired his first Group winner when Wisdom Of Water put on a dazzling display in the Ken Russell Memorial Classic Gr.3 at the Gold Coast on Saturday.

The Vinery resident will also become the only freshman to sire a Group 1 winner in Australia this season if Wisdom Of Water returns with a repeat performance in the J J Atkins Stakes on June 6.  He is a firming $3.50 favourite with the TAB to double up at Eagle Farm.

“He can be quirky but was really focused parading in the enclosure,” trainer Toby Edmonds said.  “The Atkins is three weeks away and we will give him a gallop at Eagle Farm between now and then.  He’s had two runs back from a spell and will be fitter again stepping up to 1400m.

“He rocketed out of the barriers today and Robbie (Fradd) had to lead.  There wasn’t much tempo but I’m sure he can take a sit in the Atkins if something else wants to go forward.”

Wisdom Of Water clocked 1:09.17s for 1200m which bettered the time registered by Away Game (1:09.59s) in winning the Magic Millions 2yo Classic RL at the Gold Coast in January.  He flew home for fourth that day and returned for a brilliant first-up victory at his home track a fortnight ago.

Edmonds, who trains Wisdom Of Water in partnership with his son Trent, is gunning for his first Group 1 in the J J Atkins.  His filly Sagaronne was runner-up to Press Statement in the same race five years ago.

He bought the precocious chestnut for $70,000 on behalf of Golden East Horse owner Zhiqiang An at the 2019 Gold Coast Magic Millions..  Aquis Farm recently purchased a 50% share in the colt to stand him at one of its studs in NSW or Queensland.

“But right now, we’re not looking any further than the winter carnival,” Edmonds said.  “We haven’t thought too seriously about the spring.  And he won’t peak until he’s a three year-old.”

Fradd believes Wisdom Of Water will have to settle better to run out a strong 1400m.  “I haven’t won a Group 1 in Australia either but I think this bloke could be the one.  He’s a bit of a bull and can’t afford to throw his head around again in a high-pressure race like the J J Atkins.  It won’t be easy but he has all the talent in the world. I think he’s a pretty serious horse. He’s still learning his trade.”

Wisdom Of Water’s dam Regal Tier (Royal Academy) is a half-sister to stakes performers Tierquillo and Eminence Grise and she foaled another Headwater colt at Eureka Stud last August.

Headwater (Exceed And Excel) is fourth on the Australian first-season sires’ table with $482,770 in prizemoney.  He will stand for a $13,750 (inc GST, payable on live foal) service fee at Vinery this year.