TUESDAY: May 23, 2023: BRAD Widdup has had newcomer Guzumped for a mere week – and won with him first-up at Kembla Grange today.
The Dundeel three-year-old, a $200,000 yearling buy at the Gold Coast two years ago, was transferred from Hong Kong-bound trainer Mark Newnham’s Royal Randwick stable last Wednesday.
Ridden by star apprentice Tyler Schiller, who was indentured to Newnham, Guzumped ($8.50) overhauled Justela ($7.50) and $1.55 hotpot Runwiththetide in the Provincial Maiden Plate (1600m).
“Mark recommended a few trainers for his horses, and I was very appreciative to get a dozen of them,” Brad said this evening.
“Seven of them are for Guzumped’s major part-owner Frank Mittiga, whom I know but have never trained for previously.
“The horse came to me in great order, and it was terrific to get a first-up win for Frank and his fellow owners.”
Newnham had trialled Guzumped three times to prepare him for his resumption; the latest when second to Smart Legend (who won the following race today) in a 1050m heat on his former home track yesterday week.
“Mark mentioned that Guzumped needed 1500m to kick him off, and I noticed this 1600m Maiden restricted to provincial horses,” Brad explained.
“It all worked out well.
“He is a good style of horse, and hopefully can go on with the job now that he has broken through at only his second start.”
Guzumped had finished last in a 1300m 2YO Maiden at Wyong last July when making his debut for Newnham.
. The lightly-raced three-year-old was Brad’s 54th winner of the current season – and a career 290th.