Mark Walker has an easy way to deal with the stress of handling million-dollar colts Don Garcia and Darci Brahma - treat them like every other racehorse on his Matamata property.
A conservative Walker was basking in winning glory at Trentham yesterday after blue-blood equine superstars Don Garcia and Darci
Brahma posted stunning performances.
Both colts were purchased for $1 million at the Karaka Yearling Sales separately in 2004 and 2005 by Te Akau Stud proprietor David Ellis.
Don Garcia unleashed a dazzling home stretch sprint down the outer of the track to grab a gallant pace- setting Jokers Wild and Justlikethat in the $30,000 Wellesley Stakes for 2-year-olds.
In the following event, Darci Brahma overpowered his 3-year-old rivals to win the $60,000 Wellington Breeders Guineas effortlessly - lengthening stride over the closing 200 metres to score by one length over Captain Kurt (second) and Chettak (third).
"I prefer not to look at Don Garcia and Darci Brahma as million-dollar yearlings, otherwise I wouldn't sleep at night worrying in case anything went wrong with them," said Walker.
"They are both well-bred colts and very athletic and sensible, so there's no point stressing yourself silly about them.
"I told Michael [Walker, jockey] before he jumped on Don Garcia today that I'd like him ridden with a sit off the speed, because he has to learn to race back in the field.
"He led and won in his debut at Hastings, but he won't always get the front, so it's important he learns to race back in the field.
"He really knuckled down to the task over the closing 100 metres and reeled in the leader, which is a pretty smart horse."
Don Garcia will have a week to 10 days out in the paddock, then contest the listed 2-year-old race at Te Rapa on Waikato Cup Day.
He has been nominated for the Blue Diamond and Golden Slipper, but that is not set in concrete and Walker will take his progress one step at a time.
Darci Brahma won with plenty in hand yesterday and will head to Riccarton for the 2000 Guineas, then the spelling paddock.
- HERALD ON SUNDAY
