The Thousand Guineas 2019 on Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas Day this spring could be on the cards for Lindsay Park’s talented filly Taraayef who enjoyed a win at The Valley on Saturday.
The 2019 Thousand Guineas could be on the cards for impressive Moonee Valley winning filly Taraayef. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
The three-year-old daughter of Lonhro broke her maiden status second-up last start at Sandown Hillside with a two length effort as a juvenile.
She continued her winning ways in the $135,000 Hygain Tracktorque Handicap (1000m) making up ground after settling in the second half of the field.
Luke Nolen retained the ride on the $3.60 favourite, Taraayef having her first look at the famous Moonee Valley circuit jumping from barrier five in the eight-starter race.
It was a tight finish on the line, but Taraayef proved too good for the lightweight Rumble Doll ($7) from the stables of Henry Dwyer who crossed a neck back in second.
The Danny O’Brien-trained topweight Absolute Flirt ran third only two lengths beaten in a brave effort carrying 59kg.
Nolen gave the winning filly a peach of a ride, getting her out at the right time around the bend before Taraayef proved her class running home down the straight.
There are spring options galore over the Victorian Racing Carnival for Taraayef and Nolen is keen to continue his association with the potential Group 1 filly over her campaign.
“Hopefully it’s a deep form race because I’ve hitched my wagon to her for the spring,” Nolen said post-win.
“She’ll improve off that fitness wise as she was getting a little tired in the final stages.”
The Hayes-Dabernig stable are already looking at possible elite level targets for the untapped youngster including a run at Caulfield Racecourse on October 12 in the Group 1 $1 million Schweppes Thousand Guineas (1600m).
Leading-up to the bigger spring races, Taraayef is set to return to Moonee Valley on August 24 for her next-up run before rising in grade for the Listed $140,000 Atlantic Jewel Stakes (1200m) back at the track on September 7.
“For the moment we’ll keep her to the sprint distances as she was dominant here and she likes The Valley,” co-trainer Ben Hayes said.
“It was a good strong win as she looked like she star-gazed once she hit the front.
“We’ll get through her next couple of runs here and hopefully she might stretch out and prove to be a Thousand Guineas filly.”
All-in Thousand Guineas odds at Ladbrokes.com.au are currently an open affair led by dual Group 1 runner-up Loving Gaby ($11) and with Godolphin’s Blue Diamond Stakes winner Lyre ($11) who ran fourth and third respectively in the Golden Slipper.
Early 2019 Thousand Guineas nominations close on Tuesday August 6.
