Headwater sprinter Strait Acer commenced his career winning a 3yo maiden at Randwick last December and he kicked off this season with a determined victory in a Midway Hcp (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
Trainer Edward Cummings had given him time to grow into a frame that had shot up to 16.2hh and almost 500kg as a spring 2yo. “He made hard work of that first win after bungling the start,” Cummings recalled. “I said back then he had a bright future and he held off the fast-finish of Baranof (Hinchinbrook) today.
“He’s our first winner for the new season at Myrtle House. Jason Collett had him in a neat spot throughout the running and then swung past them on the turn.”
Strait Acer (4g Headwater – Money Wanted by Wanted) was bred by Vinery Stud team member Kate Curran and was sold as a foal by Vinery (as agent) for $20,000 at the 2020 Inglis Australian Weanling Sale.
His 3yo half-brother is an unraced Charge Forward gelding named Fourandahalf with David Vandyke and his Headwater 2yo full-brother will be sold for a second time this year at Karaka in November.
Their second-dam Honey Moss (Royal Academy) is a three-quarter-sister to the dam Fastnet Rock.
Mike Kneebone, NZ Bloodstock’s Director of Business Development, reports the Headwater – Money Wanted 2yo will be offered again after initially making $72,500 at the NZB National Yearling Sale in February.
“He was purchased for clients in Singapore but the subsequent news that racing will close there in 2024 means he will be catalogued for the Ready To Run Sale in November. He was gelded last week and we are very pleased with his progress. He’s very straight forward and will be offered (as agent) by Phoenix Park Cambridge.”
Strait Acer helped Headwater equal Star Turn’s great start to the season with 8 individual winners. His last-start Adelaide winners Keep Reading and Headphones have been nominated to repeat their August 5 double at Morphettville this Saturday.
Headwater (Exceed And Excel) will stand for a $13,200 (inc GST) service fee at Vinery payable on a live foal. For bookings or further information, contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).
This year’s Vinery Stud stallion parades will be on Saturday the 26th and Sunday the 27th of August, starting at 8:30am on both days. If you have any questions, please call us on 02 6543 8333. It is essential to RSVP at: https://vinery.com.au/2023-vinery-stallion-parades/