By Alan Carasso
Waratah Thoroughbreds' Handsome Thief (Aus) made the most of his belated debut over course and distance Jan. 27, but tried to lead in a BM64 at Sandown and was run down close home Feb. 22. Backed down to 1-4 favoritism to bounce back here, the homebred jumped on terms and settled midfield for the opening 600m. Shuffled back and more or less last nearing the final quarter mile, he swung out into about the four path off the home turn, swooped to the front with about a furlong to race and came away to score decisively by 3 1/2 lengths. “We certainly had to make things happen, getting out, and he showed his class–he's a pretty smart horse,” winning rider Brad Rawiller told Racing.com. “I'm certain there's a nice race for him. He's better than this class, and he ran that way. The distance suits him right now. He does have a little breathing issue, but when he gets into rhythm, it doesn't seem to worry him in the race.” Handsome Thief is the first foal for his dam, an €350,000 purchase by Fudge from the draft of Wertheimer et Frere at the 2011 Arqana Breeding Stock Sale. Insoumise is a half-sister to G1SW Plumeria (GB) (Anabaa) and to GSW Balladeuse (Fr) (Singspiel {Ire}), the dam of 2016 G1 Prix Vermeille winner Left Hand (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), while Handsome Thief's third dam Featherhill (Fr) (Lyphard) is responsible for French champion and G1SW Groom Dancer. Insoumise's foal of 2014 and 115,000gns TATOCT yearling, Thunder Speed (GB) (Dylan Thomas {Ire}), won his maiden over the Dundalk all-weather when last seen last December. Insoumise produced colts for Waratah by Oasis Dream (GB) in 2015 and 2016.
6th-MOV, A$35,000, Hcp. (BM64), 3yo/up, 1200mT, 1:10.81, gd.
HANDSOME THIEF (c, 4, Shamardal–Insoumise {Ire}, by Galileo {Ire}) Lifetime Record: 3-2-1-0, A$40,400. O/B-Waratah Thoroughbreds; T-Darren Weir.
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