American-bred freshman to make Aussie debut

FITTINGLY one of the finest bred freshmen in the world is poised to make his debut at Club Menangle today.

The speed capital of Australasia, Club Menangle’s 1400-metre circuit is widely-accepted as a world class circuit, with every pacing speed record in the southern hemisphere set at the venue.

Every open age trotting record this side of the equator has also been set at Club Menangle.

My Field Marshall holds the title as the fastest pacer thanks to his 1:46.9 success, while outstanding mares Maori Time and Keayang Zahara share the trotter’s mark at 1:51.5.

As for Club Menangle’s pending ‘world exclusive’, Wildfire Stride is scheduled for his first start, with the two-year-old certainly bred for speed.

By leading stallion Captaintreacherous, Wildfire Stride is from former champion mare Blue Moon Stride.

Purchased and raced in America by New South Wales couple Emilio and Maria Rosati, Blue Moon Stride bankrolled $1,266,226 thanks to her 17 wins and 24 placings.

Blue Moon Stride also boasts a fastest time of 1:48.4, while Captaintreacherous stopped the clock in a breathtaking 1:47.2!

An exceptionally-bred mare, Blue Moon Stride’s dam – Classic Star – is a half-sister to Bettors Delight, No Pan Intended and Roll With Joe, with the trio stars on the track and successful sires.

Trained by prominent horseman Rickie Alchin, Wildfire Stride’s preparation ahead of his maiden voyage to the races includes four trials – the most recent resulting in a second behind his stablemate Kvitka Stride, beaten a half-head, at Club Menangle on July 29.

One of four debutantes in the field, Wildfire Stride has drawn to search for the lead from the pole, with Alchin to take the reins.

“I’m not sure if he is fully wound up, but he is a very nice horse,” Rosati said. “He has the breeding to be a star and we just hope that’s how he turns out.

“Rickie has taken him along nicely, and from the draw, the others will want to be at their best.”

Also set to make his debut for astute trainer Michael Stanley, Soho Bellagio is the main danger from barrier two according to Rosati.

The son of Soho Tribeca was impressive when winning a trial by 18-and-a-half metres in 1:53.9 at Club Menangle last Wednesday.

“Michael’s horse looks like a very nice type,” Rosati said. “He was pretty quick in his trial and seemed to do it easily.”

Drawn barrier seven for trainer-driver Scott Hewitt, Rockin At Midnight is another of the debutantes, with the colt also serving warning at the trials.

Rockin At Midnight has had five hit outs, finishing third in the most recent.

Flingamingo rounds out the quartet from barrier 10 for Wade Judd.

Winner of his first trial, Flingamingo was then third before an unplaced effort behind Wattosultimatefire, which subsequently won in a slick 1:55 in Bathurst last week.