Trainer Matt Hoysted is hoping that Appin Girl can turn a last start disappointment into a win that carry a whole lot of meaning to connections on Friday night.
Appin Girl’s owner, Howard Blight, died on Wednesday morning but while his family and friends grieved their loss the racing gods provided a silver lining as three-year-old Headhunter – also owned by Blight – saluted hours later at Doomben.
“It would be special for the family if Appin Girl could do the same,” Hoysted said as the mare lines up in the Listed Goldmarket Handicap (1600m) at Gold Coast.
The original plan was for Appin Girl to run in the rich Magic Millions race for fillies and mares last Friday but a luckless run last start outing at Eagle Farm in the Listed Nudgee Stakes (1200m) saw her miss the wildcard she needed to quality for the $1 million event finishing last in a field of 15.
“She was completely luckless,” he said.
“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 hoping the fair pattern that emerged at Gold Coast seven days ago continues so to provide his four-year-old the luck she needs to take out the $160,000 event.
The Tony Gollan-trained Golden Boom holds bookies favouritism for the Goldmaket at $4 with Appin Girl at $4.60.
Having missed the chance at Magic Millions money, Hoysted says that this will be Appin Girl’s final run this preparation after which she will take a break before looking to the Brisbane features during the Queensland Winter Carnival.
Also from his stable, 2023 Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) winner Uncommon James is expected to step out at the trials in Brisbane in two weeks’ time with a view to group racing in Melbourne and Sydney.
