A promising debut awaits Barking Mad, the second foal from former Group 1 winner Invincibella, with Chris Waller preparing the youngster for Saturday’s opener at Rosehill.
The Wootton Bassett colt is entered for the Thank You ATC Members Handicap (1100m), following in the footsteps of his half-sister Mergeila, who debuted at the same venue almost exactly one year ago.
Invincibella had an outstanding racing career, winning 12 races including a trio of Magic Millions Fillies and Mares events. Now, Waller’s assistant Charlie Duckworth sees even more promise in her role as a broodmare.
“I think she is going to be an amazing broodmare,” Duckworth said.
“We’ve got Mergeila, who is the first of her offspring. We bought the third one as well at Easter this year, all based around what we’re seeing, not only from Mergeila but also from Barking Mad.”
Barking Mad heads into Saturday with four trials under his belt, most recently placing third at Rosehill over 900 metres.
Track conditions will be the deciding factor on whether he runs this weekend or waits until Wednesday at Canterbury, but Duckworth expects him to handle the occasion.
“The 1100 metres is probably going to be a little bit short, being out of Invincibella,” he said.
“But we think he will be a carnival horse in time.”
The $625,000 Magic Millions purchase shares the race with Portofino, a fellow stablemate and $750,000 yearling owned by Newgate’s colts syndicate.
Though a slow burn early, Portofino is developing into a more professional racehorse according to Duckworth.
“When he first arrived, he was a naturally forward going horse and it has taken forever and a day to get him to switch off and relax and harness his energy a bit better,” he said.
“He is finally doing that right and the 1100 will suit him down to the ground.
“If he can tick all the boxes and do everything right on Saturday, we’ll be happy, and then we can see where he fits into the spring.”
Barrier five awaits Dylan Gibbons aboard Portofino, while Rory Hutchings rides Barking Mad from stall two.
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