Craiglea Wandoo to step up in Cup

Prolific winner Craiglea Wandoo is set to take the step from being a pin-up boy for the QTIS bonus system to stakes company at Eagle Farm.

A last-start Doomben winner in benchmark company, Craiglea Wandoo will be having his second start in a black-type race in Saturday’s Listed Members Cup (1600m).

Trained by Krystle Johnston, Craiglea Wandoo has won 11 races and been placed nine times and has earned $356,300 from 40 starts.

As a two and three-year-old Craiglea Wandoo was able to amass $104,000 in QTIS bonus payments.

The now four-year-old holds a special place for Johnston as he was her first metropolitan winner at Doomben in January 2015.

“He has been just so consistent and tough throughout his career,” Johnston said.

Like many of Johnston’s horses Craiglea Wandoo has travelled widely in search of QTIS prize money having won in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Brisbane.

“He also has had a trip to Randwick where he ran a terrific fourth in a Listed race,” Johnston said.

Craiglea Wandoo failed at his only start over 1600m but Johnston is confident he is a more mature horse now.

The gelding also has the advantage of having won on all surfaces from firm to heavy.

Johnston will have another prolific winner, Craiglea Deken, in the Members Cup.

The gelding, who has won eight races, will be having his first start in stakes company.

Most of Johnston’s horses are from the Craiglea Stud on the Sunshine Coast, which is run by her father Stan Johnston.