Grahame Begg's Profligate targets black-type in Anzac Day Stakes
The Listed Anzac Day Stakes over the years at Flemington has delivered a number of strong contenders.
Victors in the 1400m two-year-old race have included Epimeles (2024), Tijuana (2022), Chaillot (2019), Vassilator (2017), Merchant Navy (2017), Long John (2013) and Confectioner (2003).
This event suits a horse with limited starts perfectly, one stepping up in distance without plans for travel elsewhere.
Grahame Begg's Profligate fits that profile, set to contest her second race on Saturday before a break to gear up for spring.
She claimed her maiden win at 1200m on debut at Pakenham on April 2.
"I wanted to give her another run before I turn her out and there really wasn't another race to run her in," Begg said.
"It's not easy to win first-up at 1200 metres, let alone being your first start in a race, and to be truthful she wasn't wound right up for it.
"She had jumped out well and showed us she was ready to go to the races and anything she did there was going to be a bonus.
"She was pretty raw but got the job done, so I thought 'let's roll the dice' and run her over 1400 metres on Saturday on the big track, which will suit her, and there's the added bonus of some Black Type.
"She can go for a break afterwards. It gives her a little bit more exposure and in previous years some nice horses have won it and gone on to do nice things."
According to Begg, the filly Profligate appears unpretentious but will mature into her physique, labelling her as a 'big, tally leggy girl'.
"She's a half-sister to Encap who ran third in the Doncaster last year and I liked her as a type, an athletic filly and she could develop into a spring filly, if we aim her right," Begg said.
"I wouldn't suggest she's going to be a middle-distance horse, but she might be one to run up to a mile.
"You certainly don't have to be running against the ones early in the spring as there's plenty of options for a three-year-old in the spring, and the autumn which can then set them up as four-year-olds."
Visit the online bookmakers to find the best betting markets for the race in the Anzac Day Stakes.
More Racing News
Currie looking to capitalise on opportunities
Jockey Luke Currie is determined to make the most of every opportunity presented to him since his return from a recent overseas break and a change in his management team.Currie participated in just two races at the Sandown meeting on Wednesday, achieving a win with the promising French Accord and...
Lugh ready to perform at Randwick
While Ciaron Maher readies Gringotts for a potential third consecutive Big Dance triumph, a horse from the same stable that trailed him in last year's $3 million showcase is aiming to finish its season strongly at Randwick.Gringotts made his initial public outing since finishing fourth behind the promising Sheza Alibi...
Prince Tycoon set to race with blinkers at Caulfield
The potential is evident, but Prince Tycoon has presented a consistent source of frustration for the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young stable.As a result, Prince Tycoon will be seen wearing blinkers for the inaugural time when he participates in the Quayclean Handicap (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday.Prince Tycoon initiated his...
Carnival horses trial at Rosehill, Savvy Hallie ready to impress
With Sydney's final Saturday metropolitan meeting for the season on the horizon, a fresh wave of carnival-bound horses are set to participate in barrier trials at Rosehill Gardens as they intensify their preparations for their seasonal comebacks.Among the notable runners expected to feature in Friday's session are Australian Derby victor...
Silent Thinker aiming for back-to-back wins at Ipswich
Trainer Matthew Dunn is confident that his promising three-year-old, Silent Thinker, is on track to become a Saturday-class competitor, but for now, he's focused on current races.The gelding is scheduled to compete in the Barrier Reef Pools Handicap (1350m) at Ipswich this Friday, marking his third race. He is seeking...
Improving filly French Accord breaks maiden at Sandown
French Accord has been rewarded for her consistent efforts with a maiden win at Sandown.After securing second place in her initial two starts at Bendigo and Geelong, French Accord delivered a decisive performance to win the Sportsbet Fast Form Plate (1200m) on Wednesday.Ridden by Luke Currie, French Accord ($4.80) surged...
Canterbury hosts juvenile triumph for Payne and Lloyd
The quality of stablemates Persian Wonder and Krasina shone through as they both broke their maidens at Canterbury, though Persian Wonder's victory was particularly hard-earned.Having contested some of the leading autumn two-year-old events, including a second placing in the Group 3 Baillieu Handicap (1400m), Persian Wonder ($3.30) settled in the...
Litt anticipates improved performance from Barber with better weather
Trainer Richard Litt is hopeful that conditions will finally favour Barber at Randwick, following a preparation hampered by challenging tracks and unfortunate circumstances.Having been scratched from Rosehill last Saturday due to the rain-affected ground, Barber is now scheduled to participate in the Elite Sand and Soil Handicap (1100m) this weekend....
Zou Sensation avoids travel for Bletchingly Stakes bid
Following a disappointing interstate performance, the Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin-trained gelding Zou Sensation will now stick to a strict Victorian racing program.The gelding is set to make his return in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield this Saturday, with higher Group 1 targets potentially on...
Multiple race engagements for Signature Scent from Maher stable
The Ciaron Maher racing stable has presented three-year-old filly Signature Scent with a trio of potential races to add to her career record, including two Stakes events.Signature Scent holds nominations for the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) and a Three-Year-Old Handicap (1100m) at Caulfield, alongside the Listed Lightning Stakes (1050m)...