A former stable favourite is continuing to have an influence beyond the racetrack with the second foal out of Group 1 winner Invincibella set to make its debut for Chris Waller at Rosehill.
Wootton Bassett youngster Barking Mad has been accepted for Saturday’s Thank You ATC Members Handicap (1100m), almost 12 months after his half-sister, the promising Mergeila, had her first start at the track.
Waller trained Invincibella, who won 12 of her 43 starts including three consecutive Magic Millions Fillies and Mares’ between 2018-2020, but his assistant, Charlie Duckworth, believes her biggest impact could come at stud.
“I think she is going to be an amazing broodmare,” Duckworth said.
“We’ve got Mergeila, who is the first of her offspring. We bought the third one as well at Easter this year, all based around what we’re seeing, not only from Mergeila but also from Barking Mad.”
Barking Mad has been given a solid education, trialling twice in March and twice last month, the latest when third in a 900m Rosehill heat.
Track conditions on Saturday will determine whether he lines up or waits for Canterbury on Wednesday, and while he is expected to excel over further than a sprint journey, Duckworth anticipates a competitive debut.
“The 1100 metres is probably going to be a little bit short, being out of Invincibella,” he said.
“But we think he will be a carnival horse in time.”
Barking Mad was a $625,000 Magic Millions yearling while stablemate Portofino, who is also scheduled to line up in the opening race at Rosehill, fetched $750,000.
Part of Newgate Bloodstock’s colts syndicate, the I Am Invincible juvenile has been a work in progress but Duckworth says he doesn’t lack in ability.
“When he first arrived, he was a naturally forward going horse and it has taken forever and a day to get him to switch off and relax and harness his energy a bit better,” he said.
“He is finally doing that right and the 1100 will suit him down to the ground.
“If he can tick all the boxes and do everything right on Saturday, we’ll be happy, and then we can see where he fits into the spring.”
Dylan Gibbons will partner Portofino from barrier five, while Rory Hutchings is aboard Barking Mad, who has gate two.
