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| Staff Writer |
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The competitive realm of Australian racing showcases few narratives that embody the spirit of patience and perseverance as vividly as that of I Am Me. As the mare prepares for her shot at the Gr.1 The Everest, Dynamic Syndications' director Adam Watt reflects on a journey that has transformed a US$147,000 yearling purchase into a contender for Australia's richest race.
At the 2018 Inglis Premier Sale, a filly by the influential sire I Am Invincible out of Mefnooda caught the attention of the team at Dynamic Syndications. Purchased for what they considered a bargain of US$210,000, I Am Me was never anticipated to be the sensation she has become.
“She stood out to us straight away,” Watt recalls. “She was well put together, compact, and just had a presence about her. We knew she would grow into something special, but never in our wildest dreams did we imagine she would take us to The Everest.”
Despite an early setback involving a stress fracture, I Am Me’s ownership group, including Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, displayed remarkable patience, giving her the time she needed to fully mature. This decision has proven to be a masterstroke, with I Am Me amassing a string of victories in Group Two and Group Three races, and consistently challenging in Group One contests.
Trained by the dynamic duo of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, I Am Me's rise to prominence is a testament to the patient and meticulous approach of her handlers.
“The team at Maher and Eustace has been instrumental in her development,” Watt says. “They’ve taken her through each grade carefully, from a maiden win at Canberra to city wins at Flemington. They’ve always believed in her, and that’s reflected in her record—22 starts, 11 wins, and US$3.1 million in prize money.”
Maher’s unique training regime has been particularly effective in keeping I Am Me sharp and competitive. Time spent at Bong Bong, a tranquil setting away from the hustle of metropolitan tracks, has allowed her to thrive in the high-pressure environment of Australian racing. "It’s these small adjustments that make the biggest difference in a horse's career," Watt observes.
A Mare With Everest Credentials
As I Am Me gears up for The Gr. 1 Everest, her form heading into the race couldn’t be stronger. Her victories in the Gr.3 Concorde Stakes and the Gr. 2 The Shorts have solidified her as a genuine contender. She nearly broke the track record Randwick, where she clocked 1:07.77 over 1200 meters, narrowly missing the track record set by Yes Yes Yes.
“Her versatility is one of her greatest strengths,” Watt points out. “Whether it's a fast-paced 1000-metre sprint or a tough 1400-metre test, she’s proven she can handle it. She’s adaptable in her racing style too—she can lead or settle just off the pace, and that’s going to be key in The Everest.”
Despite the fact no mare has won The Everest since its inception, Watt is undeterred. "Mares like In Secret were unlucky not to win last year, and I’ve no doubt I Am Me is in with a serious chance. She’s shown time and again she can match the boys."
Dynamic Syndications: A Philosophy Of Patience And Precision
For Watt, I Am Me’s success is no fluke. Dynamic Syndications have long adhered to a set of principles that have seen them rise to the top of the racehorse syndication industry.
“Our philosophy hasn’t changed,” Watt asserts. “We believe in nurturing horses, taking them along slowly, and placing them in races where they can build confidence and learn. It’s about what’s best for the horse, not rushing them for immediate results.”
Watt acknowledges that the journey of I Am Me, from a modest filly to A$20 million feature race contender, is proof of the value of this approach. “It’s not where you start, it’s how you look after the horse. She was never rushed. We let her tell us when she was ready, and now she’s repaying that patience tenfold,” he explains.
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While the newly minted Gr.1 Everest is the immediate focus, Watt and the team at Dynamic Syndications are not ruling out international ambitions for I Am Me. With possible invitations to Hong Kong, Royal Ascot, and even Dubai on the horizon, the mare’s owners are considering her future carefully.
“Racing is a global sport,” Watt notes. “We’ve had offers to take her overseas, and if they make sense for the horse, we’ll certainly consider them. But for now, it’s all about The Gr. 1 Everest.”
However, the excitement surrounding these potential international races is tempered by the team’s focus on doing what’s best for the horse.
“Our philosophy has always been to place her where she has the best chance to succeed. We’re not chasing every race for the sake of it. If the opportunity arises to race internationally and it aligns with her best interests, we’ll go for it,” Watt states.
Should I Am Me conquer The Gr. 1 Everest, the celebrations promise to be unforgettable.
“We’ve teamed up with The Star Entertainment Group and Arrowfield Stud, so if she wins, I imagine there will be celebrations long into the night at one of The Star’s premium restaurants or bars,” Watt laughs.
“But the real joy for us will come in celebrating with the people behind the scenes, the ones who look after I Am Me day in and day out. Without them, none of this would be possible.”
Watt also mentioned a potential celebration abroad, “It would be an honour to meet Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum in Dubai and celebrate with him. He’s been an incredible supporter of I Am Me, and to share this victory with him would be the perfect way to cap off what’s already been a remarkable journey.”
Dynamic Syndications’ success with I Am Me is just one chapter in a long history of triumphs. As Watt and his team prepare for the future, their focus remains on finding and developing the next generation of champions. Watt emphasises their priorities, "We’re constantly looking at yearlings and planning for the future. Our approach hasn’t changed. It’s all about finding horses with potential and giving them the time and care they need to reach the top.”
For now, though, all eyes are on The Gr. 1 Everest. As I Am Me lines up with Australia’s best sprinters, Dynamic Syndications and Adam Watt are ready to embrace the moment. "She’s taken us on an incredible journey, and whatever happens on race day, we’re just so proud of her."
Watt's enthusiasm for I Am Me is infectious and whatever happens, The Gr.1 Everest will be a moment not to miss.