As 2023 draws to close, we reflect fondly on the season that was. Group successes from older horses such as Cepheus, Selino, Athabascan, Timour and Amade in ’23 made for a wonderful year. However these grand campaigners can’t be expected to shoulder the OTI load preparation after preparation and that leads to further discussion – which horses are the next wave and are ready to give their connections major thrills in ‘24?
It may be that the past fortnight has been a sneak preview of what is to come. Did you spot our next Group performer?
Could it be our most recent winner, Fretta, who won convincingly at Bendigo on Saturday after a long break. Winning on debut last year, her trainers Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr. have always thought highly of the 4yo mare. Now back at the races, the daughter of Frankel showed her talent once again and will move through the grades in the new year. We could possibly see her at Geelong on January 6, 2024.
Was it Salchow, a 3yo gelding by Tivaci, who finished second in his debut start for connections and trainer Nick Ryan earlier in the day at Bendigo. Green and beaten for speed early, it was an encouraging performance from the 3yo, who could certainly secure his first win in the near future.
Another encouraging 2nd placing was witnessed on Saturday at Caulfield, where Altruist stepped out over 1200m in a BM70 worth $150,000. A winner at his previous start at the Yarra Valley, the 3yo showed he is most competitive at Saturday metro class and could potentially race again on New Year’s Day at Flemington. Since being gelded, Altruist has shown his true talent on the track and keeps improving with every run.
Also potentially racing on New Year’s Day, in the same race as Altruist, could be 3yo filly Krementz, who recently won well at Sandown at just her third career start. Purchased at the Ready To Run Sale in New Zealand last year, the filly has developed well in the care of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr. and is ready to step up to some bigger races on metro level.
4yo mare She’s Unusual is certainly one to watch out for as well. The mare had two winning trials and one winning race start in New Zealand, before joining John O’Shea in Australia. Still doing things a little wrong in her first Australian start in Goulburn last Friday, she managed to finish second and will take good improvement from the experience. She’s Unusual has plenty of upside and we are certain she won’t be far from her first winning performance in Australia.
An obvious option could be Interlinked, who has won both of his career starts with the Busuttin team. The son of Savabeel was most convincing on debut at Kilmore, winning by 1.75 lengths and backed that up with another win last Thursday at Caulfield. Interlinked possibly steps out to 2000m next, before starting a potential Derby preparation.
We have a lot to look forward to in 2024 and hopefully that includes a few exciting wins from the promising horses mentioned above!
