Victory by Ipso Facto at Rosehill would be particularly welcome for trainer Mark Newnham givrn his association with the colt’s sire.
Ipso Facto is a son of Pierro, a champion Newnham nurtured during his time as Gai Waterhouse’s right hand man at Tulloch Lodge.
Rapt with an opportunity to prepare progeny of the multiple Group One winner, Newnham admitted the two-year-old’s maiden win would ease some of the strain associated with training.
“He’s been really consistent but it would be nice to see him break through. He’s had his chance pretty much every run, he’s certainly got enough ability,” Newnham said.
He admitted Ipso Facto’s bloodlines raised the stakes.
“Definitely. Pierro was a terrific horse and I had a lot to do with him,” he said.
“I’m pleased to be able to get one of his progeny early in my career and early in his career as a stallion.”
Ipso Facto has a trio of thirds on record after four starts. His last start at Rosehill on May 6 offered Newnham some encouragement ahead of the John Miller Hall Of Fame Handicap (1200m).
“He got trapped out three-deep and only got beaten by three-quarters of a length. He had a tough run but was there at the end,” Newnham said.
The race allows Ipso Facto to renew a fledgling rivalry with the Darren Beadman-trained favourite Viridine, who won on debut that afternoon.
Newnham thought a return to 1200m would suit Ipso Facto and was confident he would be among the placings from barrier seven under Jason Collett.
“He’ll probably follow Connoisseur across. I imagine he’ll end up in the first three and that’ll give him his chance,” he said.
Newnham also has stable stalwart Careless running on Saturday with the five-year-old chasing his fourth career win in the Winx Hall Of Fame Handicap (1500m).
Another seasoned campaigner, five-year-old Anisha ($5) has blinkers back on for the Light Fingers Hall Of Fame Handicap (1400m) after she hung in when third at Randwick last month.
