Waller Marvels at Undefeated Mo'unga (NZ)

After a powerful performance in Saturday’s A$150,000 Listed Drinkwise Dulcify Quality (1500m) at Rosehill, champion trainer Chris Waller is excited about what the future holds for Karaka graduate Mo’unga (NZ) (Savabeel).

Bought for $325,000 from Book 1 of Karaka 2019, the super-talented colt has an unblemished record of three starts for three wins and is now the hot favourite for next month’s Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick.

Mo’unga began his career with stylish victories at the Gold Coast and Newcastle, then stepped up to stakes class for the first time on Saturday. He starred again, producing a big burst from near the back of the field.

Traffic troubles in the early part of the home straight provided a few nervous moments as Mo’unga started to make his run. But jockey James McDonald found his way into the clear and Mo’unga did the rest, streaking past his rivals and going clear to win by a length and a half.

Racing in the Aquis colours, Mo’unga has now pocketed A$104,890 in stakes, and Waller believes there is much more still to come.

“Gee, he is going to be something very special to look forward to,” he said. "The plan was always the Spring Champion Stakes. I think he's got a great future and we don't need to bottom him out too quickly.

“They were decent horses he was racing against. He got back from his wide draw and settled, bided his time and came through them like a real professional.”

The countdown is already underway for Karaka 2021, which will again showcase the very best New Zealand thoroughbreds. Book 1 will run across three days from Sunday 24 January, followed immediately by Book 2 from Wednesday 27 through to Friday 29 January.