Gunnison's Sister Ready Second Up

The Tom Dabernig and Ben Hayes-trained 3YO filly Ashburton (Not A Single Doubt-Colorado Claire, by Hussonet) will be looking to improve from her debut fourth at Kilmore when she heads to Murray Bridge on Saturday for the Paterson's Bulk Transport 3YO Maiden Plate (1000m) with Barend Vorster in the saddle. Purchased from the draft of Arrowfield Stud for $290,000 at the 2019 Inglis Easter Yearling sale by Sun Bloodstock, success for the full-sister to Gr2 Todman Stakes-winning Gunnison, who now races in Hong Kong under the same name, will add to her extensive black-type family. It includes South African Champion 2YO Colt Soqrat (Epaulette), Hong Kong Gr1 winner Lucky Bubbles (Sebring) and Gr2 winner Moonovermanhattan (Manhattan Rain). Another interstate-based runner, the Leon and Troy Corsten's trained 3YO filly Mystery Flyer (Starspangledbanner-Jayquin Star, by O'Reilly) looks to start favourite. Yet to race, the filly by Rosemont Stud-based multiple Gr1 winner Starspangledbanner (Choisir) is a full sister to six-time winner Heka Express, who was trained initially in her career by the Cortsen stable. With four placed performances from five starts to date, the Gordon Richards-trained Spinola Bay (Cluster-Jaalippy, by Foxhound) appears the best of the locals, with her best run to date coming at the track and distance.

Ashburton is a sister to Gunnison on the left (pic: Steve Hart)