New Zealand import Kolding was the class of the field during Saturday’s Group 2 Queensland Guineas (1600m), earning champion trainer Chris Waller a winning double and jockey James McDonald a treble at Eagle Farm.

The three-year-old favourite was installed at $3.00 odds prior to the jump, posing the biggest threat to a talented field comprising of $4.00 second-elect Rindgerdingding and $5.00 chance Pohutukawa. 

Three-year-old gelding Kolding has now won five from ten in his lightly raced career. Photo Credit: Steve Hart.

Kolding’s extra kick with McDonald on board proved the difference in the end as the pair went on to win by a neck. Waller, who also trained the Group 2 Dane Ripper Stakes winner Invincibella, credited the horses’ maturity after returning to the races as a gelding back in May.

“He’s a very nice gelding and that’s been the difference with him. For those not aware of what happens with horses, they get gelded, it’s a painless operation that’s done properly and safely by vets. But it just changes the horse, they seem to forget about what’s going on in terms of girls and the distractions, and they concentrate on their racing, and they become nicer horses too, they start enjoying their life” Waller said.

Connections are now eyeing the Spring for Kolding, who is yet to debut at Group 1 level. Unfortunately, history isn’t exactly on their side as four of the last six Queensland Guineas winners have failed to go on and win another race.

“I think the gelding has improved him, we only hope he can come back in the Spring and match up to the good four-year-old’s in the Spring in races like the Golden Eagle and things like that, I think Chris has got a really high opinion of him” owner Neville Morgan told the Brisbane Racing Club. 

Pohutukawa was unlucky to finish third on Saturday, while Seabrook showed plenty of promise flashing home late for fourth.

All-in 2019 Golden Eagle betting is now open at Ladbrokes.com.au so head there to check the odds on the Queensland Guineas winner Kolding.