The release of entries for the Group I Caulfield Guineas and Thousand Guineas has added plenty of interest to competitive maiden events which are often the first stepping off point for potential contenders, so let’s take a look at the runners today that hold entries.
The first two races at Geelong on Friday are packed with interest with nearly every runner in the first race for colts and geldings holding an entry.
Particular interest in the Griffths / de Kock entry Yaki Ishi, a talented son of Maurice (Jpn), who resumes from a spell as a gelding. He was third in the Group II VRC Sires Produce Stakes from three previous starts earlier this year and will no doubt be looking to cast off maiden status before a return to Black Type.
A $180,000 Inglis Premier purchase for Griffiths de Kock Racing / Peter Ford T'Breds (FBAA) / Heywood Bloodstock from the Merricks Station draft, Yaki Ishi is a half-brother to ill-fated stakes=-winner Burnstone.
He is from Group II winning Encosta de Lago mare Merlene de Lago, a daughter of Golden Slipper winner Merlene and half-sister to the dam of Group I VRC Oaks winner Dear Demi.
In the fillies race, champion trainer Peter Moody has a first starter that is drawn well and in the market. Merchant Navy filly Red Duster was a $340,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Edinburgh Park draft and is closely related to Fastnet Rock stakes-winners Glenfiddich and Eleven Eleven.
Pierro filly La Gioia from the Jason Warren stable also one to note, possibly for longer races following a promising first campaign when she was second on debut at Sandown and then seventh in the Group III VRC Thoroughbred Breeder Stakes.
A $300,000 Magic Millions purchase for Jason Warren Racing/Peregrine Bloodstock from the Rosemont Stud draft, La Gioia is from metro winning Street Cry (IRE) mare Tears of Joy, a daughter of stakes-winning Danehill mare Lucida, a grand-daughter of blue hen Diamond Lover.
The Diamond Lover branch of the Eight Carat (GB) family is one of the most successful producing Group I winners such as Don Eduardo, Tristalove, Viking Ruler, Viscount and De Beers with current season 3YO filly Miss Roseiano also on the page.
