Appin Girl to ride wave of emotion in Goldmarket Handicap 2025
Trainer Matt Hoysted is hoping Appin Girl can turn her recent disappointment into a meaningful win for her connections on Friday night.
The filly’s owner, Howard Blight, passed away on Wednesday morning. However, a bittersweet moment followed just hours later when another of Blight’s horses, three-year-old Headhunter, claimed victory at Doomben.
“It would be special for the family if Appin Girl could do the same,” Hoysted said as the filly prepares to contest the Listed Goldmarket Handicap (1600m) at Gold Coast.
Originally, the plan was for Appin Girl to compete in the lucrative Magic Millions race for fillies and mares last Friday. However, her luckless run in the Listed Nudgee Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm saw her miss the wildcard needed to qualify for the $1 million event. She finished last in a field of 15.
“She was completely luckless,” Hoysted explained. “That was our race to win to try and get her in, but it wasn’t meant to be. She virtually went to the line untested, so as you’d expect, she’s come through the run really well, and she’s nice and fit.
“We had to keep her ticking along nice and happy, which she definitely seems to be.”
Hoysted is optimistic that the fair track pattern seen at the Gold Coast last week will continue, giving Appin Girl the opportunity to secure a victory in the $160,000 event.
Tony Gollan’s Golden Boom currently holds favouritism with bookmakers for the Goldmarket Handicap at $4, with Appin Girl close behind at $4.60.
After missing her Magic Millions opportunity, this will be Appin Girl’s final run of the preparation. Following a break, she will be aimed at Brisbane’s feature races during the Queensland Winter Carnival.
Meanwhile, Hoysted confirmed that 2023 Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) winner Uncommon James is expected to trial in Brisbane in two weeks. The star galloper is being prepared for a return to group racing in Melbourne and Sydney.
More Racing News
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...
Saintly Dancer's Thousand Guineas triumph highlights Shinn's comeback
Jockey Blake Shinn has celebrated his first Group 1 win since recovering from a significant leg injury, as Saintly Dancer dictated terms from the front to capture the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.Shinn endured a fractured leg from a fall during last year's Melbourne Cup and made his return to competitive...