Unnamed star set to make an impact in NZ
ONE of the more valuable fillies in the country is ready to add competitive racing to its rich breeding profile this season, and the horse’s trainers are backing a strong debut preparation.
An as yet unnamed daughter of the champion sire Fastnet Rock in the Matamata stable of Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards created a stir earlier in the year before a setback placed her on the easy list.
Out of the stakes-performed Storm Cat mare Forest Native, she is a sister to the Group One William Reid Stakes winner and group one producer Foxwedge.
Richards said the team had high hopes for the galloper before it experienced a setback.
“She won both of her trials in the autumn and unfortunately she then got held up with a little injury,” he said.
“She’s very sharp and will be back in the stable in the first week of September. She’ll then hopefully be out in the late spring or early summer.”
The three-year-old is owned by Coolmore Stud.
Another similarly talented, yet injury-plagued stablemate has connections hopeful of a strong preparation after making the first steps towards a return to racing.
Now a seven-year-old, Chambord has won three of his 19 and it is a multiple stakes placegetter including a runner-up finish in the Group One New Zealand 2000 Guineas.
“It’s been frustrating with the injuries and niggles, he’s got so much ability,” Richards said.
“Everything is good with him though at this stage and the plan is to trial him at either Avondale on August 22 or at Te Teko a week later. It will depend on the tracks where he goes.”
Stablemate Hushed is another to have issues, but with a record of six wins from 16 appearances, the galloper has the ability to progress further if it can remain fit and healthy.
“We’ll see how he comes up, he takes a bit of managing,” Richards said.
“He’ll also go to either Avondale or Te Teko. When he’s right, he’s very good.”