The fairytale acquisition of Arabian Rose by young Queensland trainer James Healy is set to reach new heights if she can claim victory in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick.
Healy purchased Arabian Rose, who has since amassed six wins from thirteen starts, for a mere $7000 via Inglis’ digital platform. Her impressive record includes the Listed Glasshouse Handicap (1400m) at her home track in July, and more recently, a close second in The Nivison (1200m) behind Gerringong, a rival she will face again on Saturday.
This strong showing secured her a place in The Invitation (1400m). A win in this prestigious event would be a career-defining moment for Healy, who honed his training craft with Ciaron Maher and David Eustace in Melbourne before commencing his own training career approximately six years ago.
“If she was to win, it would be a massive thrill, and who knows where it could take her?” Healy commented.
“It has always been a two-run preparation whichever way we went, whether it was the Invitation or down to Melbourne. I’d say she’d go straight home (after Saturday) and have a spell. She has sort of done her job already this ‘prep’ getting a Group Three placing to her name and we can set her for the winter. I’d love to win a Stradbroke with her.”
“We bought her online on Inglis Digital for $7000, so she has been a great buy.”
Arabian Rose has drawn favourably in barrier three, and Healy anticipates she will be fitter for her first-up run, where she appeared to peak in the concluding stages.
Both horse and trainer have remained in Sydney, and Healy is satisfied with her condition heading into Saturday.
“She derived a lot of benefit from the run, the 1400 is going to suit, and it looks like she’ll get some soft ground,” Healy mentioned.
“We’re going into the race full of confidence, and I’m confident she can run top three on Saturday.”
While Tommy Berry is booked to ride Chris Waller’s topweight Lazzura, Tiffani Brooker will reunite with Arabian Rose, having partnered her to success in the Glasshouse Handicap.
The mare is currently available at $19 in the early markets, which are headed by Lazzura at $3.20. Gerringong, the horse that narrowly defeated Arabian Rose in The Nivison, is a $4 chance and faces Arabian Rose with a 1kg weight disadvantage.
Those interested in the betting markets for The Invitation can find competitive racing odds on Australian betting sites.
