Promising three-year-old filly Brightburn is poised to continue her winning form, with trainer Kim Waugh declaring the athletic youngster's best performances are still ahead of her. The lightly raced galloper is the headline tip for Wednesday's race meeting at Gosford's Central Coast track.
A Filly with Attitude and Potential
Waugh, based at Wyong, has held Brightburn in high regard since the filly first arrived from Marquee Stud. The daughter of Deep Field made a strong impression from day one, described by her trainer as a "very athletic, pretty filly" with all the desirable attributes. However, Waugh notes the young horse possesses a determined character. "She is cranky, you've got to be very careful with her," Waugh said. "A lot of good fillies are like that."
Brightburn heads into the Jojo's Party Hire Handicap (1100m) off the back of a dominant maiden victory at her home track on December 20. Her only previous start was a credible second at Newcastle, where she was beaten by Shady Road—a horse that has since placed second to the unbeaten Plaintiff at Randwick.
Perfect Draw for Gosford Assignment
Despite her limited race experience, Waugh believes Brightburn is well-placed to secure successive wins. The filly has drawn an ideal barrier, giving jockey Keagan Latham plenty of options. "She's drawn lovely, a perfect draw really," Waugh explained. "If she lands in front that's fine and if they want to go a bit silly she can come back and take a sit."
Waugh indicated this race will likely conclude Brightburn's first preparation, which has been longer than it appears due to careful management. "She's still got a lot of maturing to do but she's come a long way," the trainer added. "She's showing all the right signs at the moment, she's a pretty impressive little filly."
Race-by-Race Tips for Gosford
Race 1 (1:45PM): Brightburn is the top selection to win. The main dangers are identified as Seven Days, Just Awesome, and Too Darn Finesse.
Race 2 (2:20PM): Charlina is tipped for victory following a dominant trial win. Key rivals include Aeternum, Kiss Goodnight, and debutant It's A Power.
Race 3 (2:55PM): Like Anything is suggested as a strong each-way chance stepping back to the mile. Vasala, Reverberates, and Garrix are noted as the primary dangers.
Race 4 (3:30PM): Stormfield is the pick to win, expected to control the tempo from the front in a small field. Loving, Vis I Do, and King Larry are the horses to beat.
Race 5 (4:05PM): Mind Ya Bizz gets the nod after a solid return run. Impuriteze, Acharnee, and Weekend Market are considered the major threats.
Race 6 (4:40PM): Forbidden Riff is tipped each-way, aiming for a hat-trick of wins. Darn Cute, Format, and Dr Evil are the main competitors.
Race 7 (5:15PM): Diva Las Vegas is selected to win, with the step up to 1200m expected to suit after a fast-finishing fourth first-up. Crimson Wings, Siebert, and Shanoni are the leading dangers.
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