There was plenty to like about the win of Think I’m Famous at Ballarat on Thursday. The manner of her win at just her fourth race start, coming from near last, was pleasing enough. The family she hails from made it even more rewarding.
In all of her jump outs and her first three race starts, Think I’m Famous has shown that she possesses ability. Nigel has always said she will need time to mature, even at the time of her purchase at the 2020 NZB Karaka Yearling Sale (from the draft of Ainsley Downs Stud).
Typical of the family that Nigel knows so well, this filly is a middle-distance / staying type. She is by super sire SO YOU THINK, out of a proven producer of good winners including the Group-winner LET’S MAKE ADEAL – trained by Nigel.
Let’s Make Adeal, an older half-sister to this filly, was a favourite in the stable. She won more than half a million dollars in earnings including the Group 3 Bart Cummings Handicap. There are other sons and daughters of Let’s Get Famous who are also well-credentialed. Raindrops of Roses, Destination Tucson and Kiriana are three-quarter-sisters-in-blood to this filly and all are multiple winners with talent over the mid-distances. Heez Notorious was another stable favourite.
Of course, Think I’m Famous is a grand-daughter of the great Let’s Elope. Nigel had a lot to do with Let’s Elope’s success when he was stable foreman for Bart Cummings in the 90s. Let’s Elope also produced Outback Joe who Nigel trained to win an Adelaide Cup. So it’s fair to say this win by Think I’m Famous means more than just a win on the board.
Nigel and her owners have long term plans for Think I’m Famous. The ownership group is made up of long-time clients all patient and willing to race a quality stayer. This filly fits the mold of one. She will not be pushed too soon. Think I’m Famous is still 12 or even 18 months away from her peak maturity. She will improve with time and distance, exactly how her well-performed siblings and several close relations have.
