By Neil Evans
Three metropolitan stables renowned for producing hit-the-ground-running style three-year olds lock horns in the opening race at Thursday’s feature Gosford meeting.
And the winner could well provide more for the Christmas stocking, with an early career attack on a city race.
Bjorn Baker.Credit:Sydney Morning Herald
Trial watchers will be rubbing their hands together when speedy Winning Rupert filly Passeggiata debuts for the Bjorn Baker stable at Warwick Farm.
Unbeaten in three hit-outs, the first two back in June on soft tracks, Passeggiata wasted no time reminding everyone what she potentially has under the “bonnet,” jumping to the front and cruising home in a recent Rosehill trial.
Out of an Exceed And Excel mare, she has speed to burn on both sides, but will likely need every bit of it drawn wide out in an exciting $40K Maiden Hcp over 1000m.
From a much softer barrier, the big threat is likely to come from the Joe Pride-trained filly Different Drum who was strong through the line under a hold in winning the second of two recent trials on the synthetic at the Farm.
A smart looker by prolific sire I Am Invincible and out of a Redoute’s Choice mare, Different Drum had plenty in reserve when she crossed the line, and is naturally bred to get over more ground.
Across town, Randwick-based Mark Newnham is set to unleash a two-pronged attack on the race.
Most notably and resuming for a second prep, Lonhro filly Amberina has also worked nicely in two trials, winning the latest over 1050m.
Yet there’ll plenty of eyes too on stablemate Pariah filly Storm’s End who starts her career from the inside barrier having also won the second of two trials on that same day.
With fine weather generally forecast, it’s an important meeting for the Gosford club, six days out from the feature Group 3 Belle Of the Turf Stakes card when several runners will be targeting a trip to the Gold Coast for Magic Millions day.
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au
