3 minute read
Classic aims for Annavisto; Interest grows in Caulfield and Melbourne Cups; Brighthill Farm stallion parade; Cambridge stallions on show
Classic aims for Annavisto
Reliable Man filly Annavisto was an impressive winner at Mornington on Thursday for Caulfield trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr.
The three-year-old was well supported into $2.50 on debut and came from midfield to score a dominant three-length win under Damien Oliver in the Jane Neve Maiden Plate (1200m)
Sporting the colours of Bill Frost's Pendant Equine, Annavisto was purchased out of Tony Pike's stable in New Zealand after winning a trial at Te Teko over 800m and she will now be set on a Classic path.
"That was fantastic. You couldn't have asked for a better debut," Kent Jnr said.
"She was a little bit keen early, there wasn't much tempo, but to do what she did vindicates what we think of her.
Bred by Greg Tomlinson, Annavisto is out of the Tavistock mare, Avisto and Kent Jnr is confident she will one day be an Oaks contender, but whether that is this spring's Gr.1 VRC Oaks (2500m) is yet to be determined.
"She's a gorgeous type, she's got so much scope," Kent Jnr said.
"She's bred to get an Oaks trip this filly, but she's got a bit of speed, which she needs.
"We've got a circle around the Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m) first, but we'll see how far she gets being her first preparation."
Tomlinson remains in the ownership which also includes Essendon footballers Jobe Watson (retired former captain), Cale Hooker and Tom Bellchambers.
Price and Kent Jnr will also unleash former Kiwi (My) Gold Bracelet in the Allan & Helen Angus Hcp (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday, with the duo impressed by the last start winner of the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m).
Interest grows in Caulfield and Melbourne Cups
The countdown to an historic Spring Racing Carnival has continued today with the closure of nominations for Australia's premier staying races, the $5.15 million Stella Artois Caulfield Cup (2400m) and the $8 million Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m).
Total entries for both races are up on 2019 with the 143rd Caulfield Cup, to be run at Caulfield on 17 October, attracting 177 nominations (up from 143); while the 160th Melbourne Cup, to be conducted at Flemington on 3 November, has received 174 entries (up from 152).
New Zealand trained gallopers entered for the Melbourne Cup in this unusual year include Glory Days for Bill Thurlow, Sir Charles Road for Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott and Quick Thinker and The Chosen One for Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman.
There are 25 New Zealand-bred horses entered in this year's Melbourne Cup, including early favourite Surprise Baby, a son of Shocking who was purchased on Gavelhouse as an unraced three-year-old for just $5,500.
The New Zealand Bred entries in the Melbourne Cup are: Etah James, Feel The Rush, Glory Days, High Emocean, Kinane, Look Sharpish, Miami Bound, Miss Sentimental (formerly Sentimental Miss), Oceanex, Out Of The Park, Platinum Invador, Princess Jenni, Rondinella, Savvy Lad, Sierra Sue, Sin To Win, Surprise Baby, Tavirun, The Chosen One, Toffee Tongue, Verry Elleegant, Vin de Dance, Zacada, Zamosa and Zebrowski.
Brighthill Farm stallion parade
Brighthill Farm will be hosting a stallion parade this Saturday 29 August at 11 am, parading their three stallions Dalghar, Eminent and Preferment.
Level Two requirements will be adhered to, so those attending are asked to check-in using the COVID Tracker or sign in on arrival and maintain social distancing.
Those unable to make the parade are able to make an appointment to see the stallions at any time.
For more information, please contact Nick King on 0274 416 442.
Cambridge stallions on show
Cambridge Stud will showcase their two stallions on Sunday ahead of the 2020 breeding season.
The online stallion parade will be hosted from 2:30pm by chief executive Henry Plumptre and head of nominations Scott Calder and be shown on the farm's Facebook and YouTube channel.
The first foals of Embellish, the first Group One winning son of Savabeel to stand at stud, have impressed breeeders to date.
Champion European three-year-old Almanzor has returned to Cambridge Stud for his third southern hemisphere season and will stand at $30,000 +GST this year.
