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
Geegees Mistruth readies for Group 1 Moir Stakes challenge
The Mark Walker stable is looking forward to the Moir Stakes at Sandown, with Geegees Mistruth set to make her mark.This 1000-metre Group 1 event is being staged at Sandown this year due to ongoing track renovations and a reconfiguration at Moonee Valley.A competitive field of 13 runners is slated...
Pembrey set to back-up strong Silver Shadow Stakes run in Furious Stakes
Leading Brisbane conditioner Tony Gollan is aiming for Pembrey to replicate her dazzling Silver Shadow Stakes performance when she contests the subsequent event of the four-race Princess Series at Randwick.The three-year-old filly was commanding when leading all the way a fortnight ago. However, with formidable opponents such as the $5.6...
Obucci targets Adelaide success on firmer ground
The Phillip and Tommy Stokes stable has relocated Obucci to Adelaide with the objective of securing another city win.Obucci is slated to participate in the Adelaide Galvanising Industries Handicap (1250m) at Morphettville Parks this coming Saturday, with Noel Callow assigned as the rider.Phillip Stokes explained that Obucci was transferred from...
Trainer Matthew Smith confident Headwall is ready for Concorde Stakes
It's not every day a horse aims for consecutive victories in the same race when starting anew, but Headwall is in that exact scenario as he prepares to kick off his campaign in the Concorde Stakes at Randwick.Having delivered a stunning performance to win the $1 million sprint a year...
Oh Diamond Lil poised for Mona Lisa Stakes return, says King
Despite her quirky nature, stakes winner Oh Diamond Lil is considered by jockey Rachel King to be in the correct frame of mind for a return to top form in the Mona Lisa Stakes at Wyong. King partnered the David Pfieffer-trained mare for her most significant triumph in the Group...
Grander ambitions for Walker's Sandown victor
Tolaga Bay is slated for a Black Type assignment after an impressive winning return at Sandown, continuing her undefeated streak.The Mark Walker-trained filly, by Alabama Express, triumphed in the Sportsbet Blackbook Handicap over 1300 metres on Wednesday.Potential targets for the filly include the Group 2 Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m) at...
Sing Your Song on track for Flight Stakes after Warwick Farm win
Chris Waller has the Group 1 Flight Stakes on his radar for the well-bred filly Sing Your Song, following her stylish victory in a race that has proven to be a significant spring carnival launching pad.The trainer, usually hesitant to start horses from wide draws, explained that his decision to...
Chilly Girl set to bring the heat to Furious Stakes rivals
A thrilling showdown is anticipated in the upcoming Furious Stakes, featuring Rosebud winner Chilly Girl and Silver Shadow Stakes champion Pembrey, as the early form for three-year-old fillies continues to solidify.Both fillies have made strong impressions this spring. Chilly Girl displayed grit to defeat Blue Door in the Rosebud (1100m),...
Giga Kick ready to launch spring campaign in Moir Stakes
It has been almost four years since Giga Kick and Clayton Douglas were the celebrated duo of Australian racing.The pair captured The Everest at Randwick in October 2022, and in the following autumn, they triumphed in the All-Aged Stakes and Doomben 10,000. During this period, Giga Kick was also awarded...
Pride's leading spring contenders to debut at Randwick
Trainer Joe Pride is poised to introduce his stable's major spring contenders en masse at Randwick, with four Group 1 winners slated to race, prominently featuring the top weight-for-age performer Ceolwulf.The two-time King Charles III Stakes champion is scheduled to compete in Saturday's Chelmsford Stakes (1600m). Concurrently, Headley Grange and...