A pair of promising fillies from the Lee and Cherie Curtis stable will commence their respective spring campaigns at Randwick-Kensington on Wednesday.
The Rosehill-based partnership will start the day off with Achira in the 1st Crop Calyx Foals Handicap (1300m) who was an impressive trial winner at Rosehill two weeks ago.
An exciting daughter of Maurice, Achira was placed behind Gleneagles in the Clarendon at Hawkesbury prior to her spell.
Co-trainer Lee Curtis said they’re keen to get the three-year-old’s campaign going, with a trip to the VRC Oaks on the agenda.
“We’re mindful of the fact she’s got a big spring ahead of her, with a view towards the VRC Oaks,” he said.
“She’s still a little bit big, so I think it’s important that she goes around and kicks off the campaign.
“I think it’s important, if you want a good spring with these fillies, that they have a run or two in the autumn. She had that and she was good.
“She was probably still a little immature then, but she’s furnished and she’s probably 15 kilos heavier now at her fit weight.
“She’s developed and she’s got taller, she’s a lovely, big strong filly. We’re really, really happy with her.”
The training partnership will also unveil an exciting filly by the name of Dalchini in the Arrowfield Virtual Parade Handicap (1100m).
The daughter of Flying Artie has turned heads at the trials, beating home horses like Mallory, and most recently the highly touted Yearning by 2.65 lengths.
Dalchini is a half-sibling to the Listed Canberra Cup winner Dark Eyes, with the Flight Stakes her target this preparation.
Curtis said she’s returned in good order, with the training duo having a big opinion of her.
“She’s been impressive all the way through,” he said.
“As a two-year-old we had a big opinion of her and she got a little bit shin sore last prep and we put her back out.
“She’s furnished and she’s a nice, big, strong filly.
“She’s also on a path toward the Flight Stakes.
“She’s a lovely filly and we’ve got a big opinion of her.”
Achira has opened as a $6 chance for her first-up run on Wednesday, while both fillies are $201 chances for the Thousand Guineas with tab.com.au.
