Metal Bender Wins Third Group One (May 24 2010)

Metal Bender earned a gold medal for bravery and further Gr 1 spoils for WS when he posted a fighting victory in the Doomben Cup. The Danasinga four-year-old is now a three-time winner at racing's highest level with Saturday's victory taking his career earnings to $A1.36 million.

Fresh off the back of his Gr 2 Hollindale Stakes victory, Metal Bender enjoyed a good run behind a fast pace but looked to be in trouble on the turn before he dug deep for rider Kerrin McEvoy and finished resolutely to score by a head. "I'm glad the Doomben straight is as long as it is," trainer Chris Waller said. "He's a very good horse and I'm fortunate to be training him."

Metal Bender joined the stable of the leading Sydney conditioner for this preparation from Allan Denham, whose late father Jack purchased the horse out of WS's 2007 Sydney Easter Sale draft for $A160,000 and last season won the Randwick and Rosehill Guineas with him.

"To win the Hollindale over 1800 metres so soon was a good effort and this was an even bigger thrill," Waller said. "He's done a great job after a long lay-off." He indicated Metal Bender, who was sidelined by a leg injury last autumn, was now likely to head for the spelling paddock with the Gr 1 Cox Plate an obvious target later in the year.

WS sold a half-brother to Metal Bender by stud resident Savabeel to trainer Graeme Rogerson at this year's Sydney Easter Sale for $A110,000. Their dam, the Bluebird mare Jacqwin, who is a half-sister to Gr 1 Goodwood winner and successful sire Keeper, has a weanling filly by O'Reilly and again visited WS's champion sire last season.