18 Jan 2018
Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman will be relying on the raw talent of a well-related filly to defend the stable’s title in Saturday’s Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m).
The Cambridge trainers won the Trentham feature 12 months ago with Nicoletta while their subsequent multiple Group One winner Bonneval finished third.
“We had a strong hand last year and this year it will be up to Milseain, a full-sister to Werther,” Forsman said.
“She won her first start at Hastings and while it was a maiden race she did it all well.”
The daughter of Tavistock raced just off the pace and once rider Lynsey Satherley gave the filly her head they coasted clear.
“The race turned a bit ugly and wasn’t run how we thought so for a green filly to overcome all that at her first start was very impressive and she’s got the pedigree to match,” Forsman said.
Milseain, who will be ridden in the Metroclad-Terracade-sponsored feature at Trentham by Opie Bosson, will also appreciate the step from 1400m up to a mile.
“She lacks a bit of ring craft, but hopefully she can do it,” Forsman said.
“We’re backing her ability so we’ll give her the chance. She’s better off against her own age group with a chance at black type rather than running against the older horses.” - NZ Racing Desk