Activity in the stable has really stepped up in recent weeks, with a lot of younger horses trialling and older horses back into work targeting some Autumn races.
But none are more interesting that INSIDE AGENT, our stakes-winning colt by Stravinsky who is set to take his place in the Australian Guineas on Saturday.
This morning, Nigel discussed his chances with Michael Felgate on RSN, and the chances of WINSTON LEGACY and FASTBROOK tonight at Cranbourne.
We have a nice opinion of FASTBROOK, a three-year-old filly by Hinchinbrook, owned by a connection of loyal clients, Sheamus Mills (Sheamus Mills Bloodstock) and Sledmere Stud. She was unlucky at her race debut last year in the Adelaide Magic Millions 2yo race, and has trialled nicely since a lengthly layoff.
WINSTON LEGACY is a slow maturing gelding stepping up to a more suitable distance of 2060m tonight at Cranbourne. Nigel has a long-term view of this son of Rip Van Winkle. We hope to target some richer races with him in time. But for now, Nigel will focus on placing him in winnable races and increasing his rating for future events.
Next week is also going to be a busy week for the stable.
SKY STRIKE is a son of good local sire Stryker, bred by clients. He heads to Ballarat on Tuesday after a slightly troublesome campaign last year. We think he is back to full fitness.
COSTALOT is a nice two-year-old filly by Encosta De Lago (who would have thought!) making her debut at Ballarat on Wednesday. A half-sister to multiple Group-winner MOMENT IN TIME, Costalot is a wonderful filly to work with and has a bright future.
Old mate TINY’S LEGACY will join Costalot for the trip to Ballarat, for a BM70 1600m race. He know’s what he is doing, and we are expecting a better run than his first-up performance a couple of weeks ago for owner Ross Wilkinson.
On Thursday, owners of HUSSON BELLE (3yo filly by Husson) can’t wait to see their filly debut at Pakenham following two very nice trials and some patience over the past 12 months. She was purchased with three and four-year-old races in mind, so we are excited to get her to the track this preparation and target some Super VOBIS and VOBIS Gold prize money.
SAILOR’S FALLS is another who has trialled well in the lead up to his debut next Friday in the Super VOBIS / VOBIS Gold 1300m Maiden for three-year-olds at Ararat. Owner/breeder Paul Cochrane is excited to see his Reset gelding on the track, and is a big supported of Victorian breeding and the VOBIS schemes.
Last but not least, our Group-placed filly AMARELA will return to the races at Flemington in next Saturday’s BM84 1400m event at Flemington. Her group of owners are as passionate as they get, so we hope she is set for a good campaign in Melbourne and Adelaide.
Best of luck to all runners and connections.