Trainers Lee and Cherie Curtis have high hopes for sparingly raced filly Achira, who represents the stable at Hawkesbury.
Trainer Lee Curtis doesn’t have the firepower of the major stables, but he invariably finds himself a good horse.
He and wife Cherie, who is also his training partner, are hoping Saturday’s Clarendon Stakes runner Achira can develop into their latest star.
Bought for $140,000 at the Magic Millions sales by long-time stable supporters Frank and Christine Cook, Achira is by freshman sire Maurice out of O’Reilly mare Swift Lady.
Curtis expected her to take time to mature but she has shown enough natural ability to head to the races as a two-year-old, finishing fourth to Xtremetime on debut at Canterbury earlier this month.
The Rosehill horseman compares her favourably to his Group One Victoria Oaks winner Lasqueti Spirit in terms of temperament and attitude.
“She’s got a bit of Lasqueti Spirit about her, the same toughness,” Curtis said.
“Our plan has been to give her one or two runs then put her away and aim at some nice fillies’ races in the spring like the Flight Stakes.
“She’s not a filly that will work the place down in terms of times, but she is very solid.”
The Clarendon Stakes (1400m) has a reputation for producing quality late-season juveniles with stakes winners Graff (2018), Zoustar (2013) and Fravashi (2008) among its winners.
Achira is a $21 chance for Saturday’s renewal with David Payne’s recent recruit Gleneagles a $2.50 favourite.
