Bright future predicted after Chollima's impressive debut win
Trainer Darren McAuliffe foresees a lucrative career for Chollima after the two-year-old posted an eye-catching win on debut at Belmont.
Flashing huge potential in the Book Your Christmas In July Celebration At Belmont-29 July Plate (1400m), the Starspangledbanner galloper stylishly delivered on Darren Mcauliffe’s high expectations.
Dragged back to last by jockey, Chris Parnham, Chollima let loose with a powerful finish down the outside to stamp herself as a horse of the future.
Starting at $4.10, Chollima had one length on the line from raging favourite, Ancient Guidance with another 3 ¼ lengths to third place getter, Happy As Larry.
“I’ve had pretty big raps on her for a while,” McAuliffe said.
“She’s a lovely filly and is only going to get better with experience.
“I think the world is her oyster and her future is over a lot further.
“We haven’t revved her up yet and will let her work it out herself.
“I was confident she was going to be able to get the job done today (Wednesday).
“I went all in with Starspangledbanner when he came to Australia and I think I’m going to be rewarded.”
Parnham, who partnered Chollima in three education trials, was quick to back up and support McAuliffe’s assessment of his filly.
In a sign of what the future potentially holds, Parnham said it takes a good horse to make up ground like she did from the back of the field.
“I knew we were going to let down really strong, I thought we were spotting the two fancies too much,” Parnham said.
“She exceeded my expectations, even though I always sort of thought she was really nice.
“She’s still learning her craft, but she’ll make a nice horse.”
Parnham later booted home Galancy for a double to share the riding spoils with champion jockey, William Pike.
Pike won on hot favourite, Cavallo Red for trainers Sean and Jake Casey and the Fred Kersley-trained Ambergate Rose.
More Racing News
Concord Connie eyes Victorian Group 1 success
Charlotte Littlefield, the Pakenham-based trainer, is opting against chasing substantial prize money in interstate races with Concord Connie, focusing instead on securing a Group 1 win within Victoria.The exciting mare, Concord Connie, has undergone four weeks of preparation and is being readied for her return, with the Group 1 Empire...
Midnight Dynamite's Path to the Big Dance After Rosehill Win
Connections of Midnight Dynamite are keen to see the horse contest a $3 million prize following his commanding performance in the Winter Challenge at Rosehill.Having added Saturday's stakes race to his triumph in last month's Listed Civic Stakes (1400m), the gelding is now slated for the Coffs Harbour Cup (1600m)...
Bold Soul's future may be over jumps after Flemington success
Connections have found Bold Soul, trained by Patrick Payne, to be a good earner on the flat, but his future might be better suited to hurdles.Bold Soul secured the Deane Lester Flemington Cup 1849 (2800m) at Flemington on Saturday, adding to his seven prior wins from 33 starts and boosting...
Sword Of Legacy's determined win follows Band Of Brothers' Ramornie success
Matthew Dunn's stable has enjoyed a prosperous week, capped by Sword Of Legacy's hard-fought victory at Rosehill. This triumph arrived just three days after Band Of Brothers, carrying the same lime, purple, and gold Hesket Thoroughbreds silks of David Moodie, captured the Ramornie Handicap at Grafton.Sword Of Legacy, sent out...
Ko Phangan claims Byerley Handicap at Flemington
The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young stable continues its impressive run in qualifying races for Classic contenders with Ko Phangan's recent victory at Flemington.Ko Phangan's win in the Byerley Handicap (1800m) secures a coveted ballot exemption for either the Victoria Derby (2500m) or the VRC Oaks (2500m) during the Melbourne...
Joint Venture earns carnival ticket with Rosehill triumph
A late-developing two-year-old, Joint Venture, is now in contention for the initial three-year-old feature races after securing a crucial win at Rosehill.The impeccably bred son of I Am Invincible, a $625,000 yearling acquisition for the Newgate stallions syndicate, displayed significant progress from his debut second at Wyong, asserting his class...
Betwitchery ready to extend winning streak first-up
Betwitchery is set to extend her winning sequence as she makes her return to the racetrack at Flemington.The Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin-trained mare is scheduled to begin her new racing campaign in the VRC Member Brendan Sobozynski Plate, a 1200-metre contest, this Saturday.Betwitchery, who has won five...
Littlefield targets Magnolia Cup after Flemington engagements
Trainer Charlotte Littlefield is scheduled to travel back to the UK in approximately a week to participate in a charity race at the renowned Glorious Goodwood Festival.The Magnolia Cup is a distinguished charity event this year supporting Education Above All. It aims to gather funds to ensure access to education,...
General Salute set for Winter Challenge under favourable wet conditions
The arrival of overnight rain has alleviated Sterling Alexiou's primary concern regarding General Salute's prospects in the final black-type race of the Sydney season, following his recent victory in the Winter Stakes.All four of the gelding's previous wins have been recorded on rain-affected tracks. Earlier in the week, with Rosehill...
Burning Heartz set for Adelaide Stakes test
Trainer Gavin Bedggood envisions a future for Burning Heartz in an Oaks race, but his immediate goal is to secure some valuable Stakes black type for the filly.Burning Heartz, a winner on debut at Sandown on July 1, is now heading to Adelaide to contest the Group 3 South Australian...








