Aghna showing promise for Hayes-Dabernig ahead of Victorian debut
TOM Dabernig says he is expecting a forward performance from the promising filly Aghna when she lines up in a 1200m maiden at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
Owned by Sona Bloodstock, Aghna has faced the starter on four occasions in Sydney, her best effort being a third in the Wyong Magic Millions Classic (1100m) behind Capitalist on debut.
Just one day short of a year later, the daughter of Foxwedge and Moonboat will be making her first Victorian appearance under the care of David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig.
“She is definitely a well-developed, strong filly, she has been working really well and her trials and jump outs have been excellent,” Dabernig said.
“These maidens in the city are always competitive, but she goes into it fresh, so she is an excellent each-way chance.”
The main threats on Friday night appear to be Armenia and Very Dogmatic. The former has three placings from four starts, while Very Dogmatic comes into the event following two seconds at her only starts to date.
However, Dabernig says Aghna has adjusted well to the Melbourne way of going and has been working nicely in preparation for her return to the track after six months off.
“Obviously its her first time racing for us and it will be her first time racing on the Melbourne leg, but she seems to be a natural going our way of racing.
“Of course, we will learn more about her under the pressure of race day conditions, but what we have seen of her at home indicates if she is not winning tomorrow, she will be winning shortly.
“She gives me the impression that she is going to run well first time out, but there is always going to be natural improvement there fitness-wise.”
With the classy bay also eligible for the $2 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas in January, Dabernig says they are hoping Aghna will be able to do enough to make the field and show she is competitive at that level by winning this Friday.
“She needs to win to have enough stakes money to make the field, but even if she is to win, there may be time for one more run before the Magic Millions,” Dabernig said.
“At the moment there is still a light at the end of the tunnel, it’s a possibility, but we will just re-asses what’s next for her after Friday night.”
Aghna is currently a $41 shot with Crownbet to win the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas.
A win on Friday would also be positive for Aghna’s family, with her younger full-sister set to go under the hammer as lot 245 at the Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sales in early January.
Aghna will jump in race one at Moonee Valley on Friday night, with the event scheduled to jump at 6:30pm AEDT.
William Hill Plate Market
Alvilda $5.50
Armenia $3.80
Fontein Flyer $16
Her Command $16
Korrupt Girl $14
Marwinzig $34
Aghna $4.40 @ WilliamHill.com.au
Lovology $21
Run To Paradise $23
Sallybrook $11
Very Dogmatic $9.50
Neutron Dame $18
Military Operation $8
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