Tristate served notice he’s on the cusp of an exciting spring campaign with a resounding first-up win at Randwick on Wednesday.

The Headwater 3yo colt had been competitive in the Skyline Stakes Gr.2 and Pago Pago Stakes Gr.3 during an autumn campaign that left his connections anticipating a breakthrough season in 2021-22.

“There was plenty of merit in his 2yo form and we tried to qualify him for the Golden Slipper,” trainer Anthony Cummings recalled.  “Unfortunately, it ended up a horror story.

“He ran fifth in the Skyline but was wayward and caused himself more grief than anything else.  He’s a more complete article since coming back and has done everything right.  He’s sure-footed in all his work regardless of the tracks and comes from a very fast family.”

Tristate was faultless first-up after stalking the speed and then waltzing away to score by over a length from Devil’s Throat (Snitzel) and All England (I Am Invincible).  Bred in the same interests as Group 1 sprinter Gytrash, he cost $150,000 at the 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale from the consignment of Glastonbury Farm.

His dam Jahre (Encosta De Lago) is from the celebrated family of Champion South African mare Laisserfaire and Australian Stakes winners Time Thief, Personify, A Time For Julia & Foreplay.  “Tristate is a nice horse with a good nature,” Cummings added.  “We’ve always thought he might make Stakes grade and today was a step in that direction.”

Headwater’s Group 2 winning filly Jamaea returned to action with a fast-finishing fourth in a dramatic renewal of the Silver Shadow Stakes (Gr.3, 1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.  She was held up in traffic when stewards reported there was contact with ill-fated filly Xtremetime.

Jamaea is trained by Rob and Luke Price at Turpentine Park near Nowra and is a Finalist for the Vinery-sponsored 2021 NSW Provincial Champion Horse of the Year to be named this Saturday, August 28.

Headwater (Exceed And Excel) is coming off an award of his own as Australia’s Champion Second-season stallion for 2020-21.  Vinery newcomer Ole Kirk is a Finalist for NSW 3YO Horse of the Year.

Ole Kirk (Written Tycoon) launches his stud career at an introductory fee of $55,000 while Headwater stands for $16,500.  All fees (inc GST) with payment on a live foal.  For bookings or further information, please contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).