Popular galloper Albert the Fat gave January’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale a big boost when he stormed home to win today’s $1 million Group One Emirates Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.
A member of the Chris Waller stable in Sydney, Albert the Fat came from near the tail of the field on the turn to win a thrilling edition of the day’s feature race.
“He’s just had the perfect preparation,” Waller said of Albert the Fat. “Second-up he was a bit flat but he has certainly bounced back from that.”
“Last start at Caulfield (when second to Love Conquers All) the writing was on the wall.”
“His draw was perfect. He likes a bit of room and doesn’t need to get there too early.”
“Every horse seems to be getting a chance with their draws, whether they be wide or inside.”
Waller praised Mark Zahra for his ride aboard Albert the Fat and the preparation he’d put into the ride after only being booked 24 hours earlier.
“(It was) certainly timed to perfection. He certainly could have had a little bit more up his sleeve and that would have made it easier for me (to watch).”
“Full credit to Mark. He basically only picked up the ride yesterday so he didn’t have much time to do any homework or get a feel for the horse.”
“He is a very professional jockey and got the job done,” Waller added.
Waller said Albert the Fat will most likely head to Perth now to take his place at that city’s big summer carnival.
“We’ve had him all this preparation but full credit to his previous trainer (Eden Petrie). They sent him to me in great order.”
“He is a seven-year-old but he wouldn’t know it because he is jumping around like a two-year-old and his legs are clean.”
The win was the biggest for replacement rider Mark Zahra.
“It’s unfortunate for Damien (Oliver, original rider) but he’s got one hundred or so (Group One winners) so I’m sure he’s happy to give me one but I’m just thrilled.”
“For a horse that hasn’w won over a mile before, Chris just said to make sure that you can bide your time with him.”
The win was the first Group One in Melbourne for Zahra.
“It’s indescribable. It’s huge. I’ve got to give my manager a huge wrap. He does a superb job and to share that with him is massive,” Zahra summed up.
Albert the Fat has been an incredible money spinner for his connections following his purchase for $40,000 from the 2006 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Rheinwood Pastoral sold Albert the Fat as a yearling on behalf of New South Wales based breeder John Allen.
Now an 11 time winner from just 31 runs, Albert the Fat has earned over $1.2 million for his connections who’ve been with him all of his career since the Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Allen has a full brother to Albert the Fat in the Rheinwood draft for the 2012 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and he’s a cracking colt who’s sure to appeal to the good judges at the famous Queensland auction.
A son of former headline Magic Millions graduate Magic Albert, Albert the Fat is one of two winners for the twice winning Bureaucracy mare Alemar – a half sister to black type performer Mastery.
As mentioned earlier her latest yearling, an attractive chestnut colt by Magic Albert, has been catalogued for the 2012 Gold Coast Yearling Sale. He is lot 442 – four lots after a full brother to Thursday’s stakes winner Ortensia will go under the hammer.
Winner: Albert the Fat
Breeding: Magic Albert-Alemar (Bureaucracy)
Sold for: $40,000
Sale: 2006 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Rheinwood Pastoral Co (As Agent)
Buyer: Wadham Park Bloodstock
Earnings: $1,260,275
Owner(s): Stumer Racing Syndicate (Mgr: JD Stumer), BM Wood, MJ Stumer, JJ White, JC White, M Virgo, Fat Albert Syndicate, PB Schimke, DW Schimke & Ms JS Knight
Trainer: Chris Waller (Rosehill)
