Although Scarlet Tufty’s first months in Australia have been a test of patience for his owners and trainers, that patience will hopefully be rewarded with a good run at Caulfield on Saturday. From a challenging outside barrier and with the top weight, the 5yo will need his share of luck to feature in the finish. However, there is confidence from the stable that this fellow is well above average and is poised for a successful campaign.
Scarlet Tufty: Race 5 2:25PM | 1400m BM78 | T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | J: John Allen 61.5kg | Barrier 18 | Saddlecloth 1
Originally trained by Christophe Ferland in France, OTI acquired a 50% holding in the horse when offered for sale in November 2019. Excited about the possibility of racing in Australia, Noel Wilson who raced the horse with Ferland, retained the other 50%.
Scarlet Tufty’s sire, Siyouni, is now considered France’s top sire. His progeny are no longer foreigners in Australia with both racehorses and mares, bred to Southern Hemisphere time, entering the country. As the sire of two recent French Derby (The Jockey Club) winners, Siyouni is capable of producing stakes horses from 1400m upwards. Indeed, Scarlet Tufty’s three wins in France were at 1400m, 2200m and 2400m.
Leading into Saturday’s race, Scarlet Tufty finished 3rd at a recent trial at Traralgon. This followed a long and often disrupted preparation as the horse slowly acclimatised to his Australian conditions. Since working on the open fields of Maher/Eustace’s Fingal property, the gelding has thrived and there is much excitement about his first race start in Australia.
As most experienced owners know, patience is a great attribute for sustained enjoyment of the sport. Let’s hope that patience is rewarded on Saturday when connections see Scarlet Tufty’s talent at Caulfield.
