Hometown trainer Matt Cumani will kick-start the careers of two of his youngsters at Ballarat.
Dun Wondering and Shadeelaa are set to run in the Magic Millions Ballarat 2YO Classic (1000m) at Ballarat on Saturday.
Cumani expects the pair to find the 1000m journey too short, but being on their home track it will a provide good experience to start their racing careers.
Dun Wondering has drawn barrier four while Shadeelaa has drawn the widest gate in the field of 11.
“Shadeelaa in particular is very well,” Cumani said.
“He had a gallop to have a look at that track there on Tuesday and came through it very well.
“In terms of temperament, I think, of the two, he is the best one to be able to handle it (race day).
“Dun Wondering is possibly a horse, in time, that will prove to be classier and I think the pedigree says that as well.
“He’s a little bit raw still. He’s only had the two jump-outs, but he’s shown ability.”
Of the two colts, Cumani expects Shadeela to be more precocious of the pair.
“Shadeelaa is by Shalaa that has produced some very fast two-year-olds, but he is out of a Dundeel mare,” Cumani said.
“But it is the family of Rubrick , so you could argue either way.
“But I think physically, he is one that will improve with time while the Dundeel (Dun Wondering) will definitely improve. He is the size and shape of a horse that will continue to develop with time.”
Cumani is not looking any further than Saturday’s debut outing with the pair.
However, a first or second placing would qualify them for a start in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast next month.
“With all our two-year-olds, we give them the chance to run if they show they are sharp enough to be competitive,” Cumani said.
“We’ll give them that run which will stand them in good stead for the future.
“But I think in this race, if you determine it to be a Magic Millions Gold Coast horse, you probably need to have had a run by now, I think.
“And if they don’t run first or second here, they won’t get enough prize money to get in anyway, but it’s really about some education for them.
“But I think they’re nice horses and will run well.”
