Godolphin and trainer John O’Shea are spoiled for choice with the plethora of talented three-year-olds they currently have in work, and the team have continued their dominance of the age group at Moonee Valley this afternoon as Holler led from start to finish to take out the Group 3 Telstra Phonewords Stakes (1200m).
Holler was far too good for his rivals in the Telstra Phonewords Stakes this afternoon. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
Jumping from the gates well, jockey James McDonald allowed Holler to stride forward and immediately take up the pace in the 2015 Telstra Phonewords Stakes; setting a reasonable tempo alongside Brockhoff and Von Vacheron.
Hugging the rails rounding onto the final straight, Holler opened a three length lead and only continued to find through the dying stages of the Telstra Phonewords Stakes; hitting the line comfortably ahead of Brockhoff and stable mate Demonstrate.
McDonald delivered a typically polished performance aboard Holler for success in the Telstra Phonewords Stakes and was quick to lay all the praise on his classy mount in the victory.
“He’s a real galloper,” McDonald said after crossing the line.
“He got into a lovely rhythm down the side and he never felt like he was ever going to get beaten. He was a big going horse and I’m sure it won’t be his last, he’s a pretty good colt.
“Obviously he’s very big and has taken a bit of work but he’s got many more races in store from this preparation and I can’t wait to hop back on his back.”
Stable representative for Godolphin Darren Beadman was on hand for Holler’s impressive win in the Telstra Phonewords Stakes and believes his gritty performance for second in the Listed Gothic Stakes (1400m) last weekend paid dividends this afternoon.
“The other day he really put the writing on the wall,” Beadman said.
“Coming back in 200m in distance probably wasn’t that much of a concern given he was a fit horse. James took advantage of that and it was a lovely ride and a good, solid effort by the horse.
“He’s a big, strong colt and it really tuned him up for today.
“He’s always shown us a lot of promise at home. He was probably in our top ten heading towards the Golden Slipper and those sorts of races.”
Clear race favourite Mawahibb was settled off pace in the Telstra Phonewords Stakes and never appeared in contention; fading late to finish fifth.
In taking out the 2015 Telstra Phonewords Stakes, Holler has now posted an impressive two wins and four minors through only seven career starts.
