Ortensia foal makes big debut

ARTEFIORI, the first of only two foals produced by former outstanding sprinter Ortensia, makes her much-anticipated race debut at Scone today.

Trainer Paul Messara has given three-year-old filly Artefiori two barrier trials to ready her for the Turangga Yearling Maiden (1100m).

Messara said he didn’t push Artefiori to the races as a juvenile because the filly was “immature in her legs and joints”.

“We gave her the time she needed and she has strengthened into a nice type of filly,’’ Messara said.

“She’s got a bit of ability but I am wary of Kim Waugh’s Oxford Angel. She looks hard to beat.

“I expect Artefiori to run in the first three but if Kim’s horse wasn’t in the race, I’d be a lot more confident.’’

Oxford Angel won a Wyong barrier trial by a comfotable six lengths then ran a close second against older horses in a Gosford heat last week.