Corncrake stamped himself as a stayer on the rise with a determined victory at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
The four-year-old son of Mastercraftsman broke through for his first Australian win at Kembla Grange on March 13. A performance that demonstrated his tenacity and strength over a mile and a half.
Favourite Corncrake ground them down and prevailed to win the TAB Handicap for @mcsmithracing with @HugeBowman in the saddle. That’s back-to-back wins for the 4-year-old import @OTIRacing pic.twitter.com/rwRX30WfeP
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 25, 2020
Jockey Hugh Bowman played a key role once again, with his vigour coming to the fore over the final furlong.
Bowman was effusive in his praise post-race. “I’ll tell you what he does have. He has a will to win that not many horses have. He’s got the attributes of a winner.”
OTI’s racing partners have reason to be excited moving forward, with their progressive grey stayer continuing to adapt and improve in local conditions.
A winner of three consecutive races in the United Kingdom, Corncrake was identified as a horse that would be well suited to work his way through the Australian staying ranks. Now a five-time winner from just eleven career starts, his record reflects that belief.