Written by Paul Vettise
Robert Wellwood has enjoyed quite the introduction to the training ranks, but even an outstanding start to his career couldn’t come anywhere near success with Rondinella (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) at Randwick.
Wellwood was a trusted employee of Roger James before he joined the respected Cambridge horseman in a partnership at the beginning of the season.
Together, they have sent out 28 winners this term, including three at stakes level, and it will be the aforementioned Rondinella who on Saturday might take Wellwood into rarefied air.
Robert Wellwood and Roger James
The 4-year-old has consecutive Group 1 placings in the New Zealand S. and the Tancred S. and will shoot for major reward at the highest level when she runs in the G1 Schweppes Sydney Cup.
“She doesn’t race keenly and she’s an easy-going horse that hasn’t got any vices.” – Robert Wellwood.
Rondinella is a novice at the 3200 metre trip, but Wellwood has confidence in the mare’s ability to run the trip.
“I can’t see any reason why she won’t get the two miles,” he said. “She doesn’t race keenly and she’s an easy-going horse that hasn’t got any vices.
“Two miles is a different beast but for want of a better saying, she’s ticked every box.”
Another major plus for Rondinella is the improved weather in Sydney, having had to overcome heavy conditions in her last two appearances.
“She tries her heart out in heavy going, but she is definitely looking for a much better surface.” – Robert Wellwood.
“She’s won four races, three on good tracks and one on a dead track so that clearly says she is better suited to a decent surface,” Wellwood said.
“She tries her heart out in heavy going, but she is definitely looking for a much better surface.”
Rondinella’s dislike of rain-affected going speaks volumes of her class to place behind Avilius (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) in the Tancred.
“She’s done very well since she’s been here, she’s really thrived,” Wellwood said.
“She’s done very well since she’s been here, she’s really thrived.” - Robert Wellwood.
“She bounced through the race very well and we spoke to her connections and they decided to stay here for the Cup. She's as bright as a button.”
Rondinella finishing well at Te Rapa
Bred by the Chitty family of Haunui Farm who remain in the ownership, Rondinella will be ridden by Sam Clipperton who will partner the mare a kilo over her allotted weight at 52kg.
“Sam came over and galloped her on Tuesday morning and he was really pleased with her,” Wellwood said.
“Sam came over and galloped her on Tuesday morning and he was really pleased with her.” – Robert Wellwood.
Rondinella is a daughter of the G3 Manawatu Classic winner Valpolicella (NZ) (Red Ransom {USA}), who has done a fine job at stud.
She is also the dam of the G2 Autumn Classic winner Vilanova (Commands), the G2 Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic winner Vavasour (NZ) (Redoute’s Choice) and the G3 La Trice Classic winner Celebrity Dream (NZ) (Thorn Park).
The G2 Herbert Power H. winner Rizon (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), the G3 Summer Cup winner Ready To Lift (More Than Ready {USA}) and the G3 Tasmanian Derby winner Currigee (Danewin) appear further back in the pedigree and staying forces to give further confidence in Rondinella’s ability master 3200 metres.
