Rancho Montoya on trial for a trip south
GROUP 1-winning mare Isolda could have saved the best for last with Rancho Montoya who makes his city debut at Doomben tomorrow.
Rancho Montoya, who is the last foal out of Isolda, will tackle a handy field in the Variety Children’s Charity 2YO (1350m).
A daughter of the legendary Sir Tristram, Isolda’s owners included late Brisbane bookmaker Stan Tapsall.
She is renowned for beating champion Octagonal in the 1995 Group 1 Champagne Stakes at Randwick after he beat her in the Sires Produce Stakes.
Isolda has been a success as a broodmare with nine of her 11 foals to race winning, with the best to date Group 3 winner Bid Spotter.
Rancho Montoya made short work of an open maiden field at his only start when he won at Ipswich two weeks ago.
The colt cost $70,000 at the Magic Millions sales and is raced by the Ezybonds No.1 Syndicate.
Sunshine Coast trainer Stuart Kendrick had hoped to have Rancho Montoya ready to run during the winter carnival but a minor setback meant those plans were shelved.
Kendrick isn’t getting carried away with Rancho Montoya but hopes the colt can develop into a top-line horse.
“If he wins on Saturday we can start thinking about taking him south for races like the (Group 1) Caulfield Guineas,” Kendrick said.
“But we will get over Saturday first and go from there.”
■ APPRENTICE Matt McGillivray is looking to build on his recent winning streak on the provincial and midweek circuit when he heads to Doomben.
McGillivray has been in great form with a winning double at the Gold Coast on Wednesday giving him 15 winners in the past four weeks.
After returning from a stint in Sydney earlier this year, McGillivray has had limited opportunities in the city on Saturdays because of the large number of interstate jockeys visiting for the winter carnival.
That changes tomorrow when he has six rides .
“The winners have been coming but I would obviously like a few more in town,” McGillivray said.
His rides include Counter Meal ($8 in Race 6), who he won the Newmarket Handicap on at Rockhampton three weeks ago.