War Of Silence impresses on debut

[Wandering Eyes]

Blue-blooded colt War Of Silence (Snitzel) threw his name into the ring for the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) with a stylish debut victory in Saturday’s Vale Tony Dennis (1200m) at Riccarton.

War Of Silence is by Snitzel out of the Gr.1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) winner Silent Sedition. The chestnut colt was bought by David Ellis for A$700,000 from Arrowfield Stud’s draft in the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

Sent out as a $3 favourite for his first raceday appearance on Saturday, War Of Silence travelled comfortably on the speed for jockey Opie Bosson. He was challenged on both sides early in the run home, with Dubonnet Rouge trying hard on his inside while Swoomee Swan came with a strong finish out wide, but War Of Silence lifted and held on well to win by a head.

“We really liked him early on, but he went off the boil a little bit, so we put him out and he’s come back nice and strong this time,” Bosson said. “He’s still learning his trade, so he’s changing legs and getting a bit unbalanced, but he’s got ability.

“He was wandering a little bit, but when asked, he was up for the challenge.”

War Of Silence is trained by Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson.

“It was a good debut win, especially because it’s never easy having your first start down the chute at Riccarton after going around a bend in his trials,” Walker said.

“He looked vulnerable when challenged hard over the last 100m, but he really knuckled down and we know how hard Opie (Bosson) is to beat in a tight finish.

“I do think he’ll be better next start, when he’s going 1400m and around a bend, and he’ll most likely head towards the Guineas Trial for three-year-olds on September 27 at Riccarton.

“He’s certainly a nice colt, has the best nature, and a lovely laid-back sort of fellow. Dave (Ellis) bought him at the Sydney Easter Sale, and he’s definitely on a path towards fulfilling his nomination in the 2000 Guineas down there in November.”

War Of Silence is now rated a $31 chance in a New Zealand 2000 Guineas market that is headed by his stablemates He Who Dares and Hostility at $6.

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