Group One winner primed for racing return

EXCEPTIONALLY-BRED youngster Aldebaran Misty is poised to return to racing in what is expected to be a short campaign.

Given a break after becoming the latest in her family’s long list of Group One winners last May, Aldebaran Misty is engaged in Friday night’s Ballarat meeting.

In her third start Aldebaran Misty captured the Home Grown Classic for trainer Geoff Webster to join her grandmother Sumthingaboutmaori as a ‘black type’.

Just seven weeks earlier Sumthingaboutmaori’s son Central Otago secured the Home Grown Classic for three-year-old trotting colts and geldings.

Just to scratch the surface Aldebaran Misty’s clan includes Group One winners Noopy Kiosk, Moonshine Linda, Maoris Crown, Broke As Usual, Maori Time, Skye Rocket, Blitzthemcalder, Pink Galahs, Maoris Dream, Aftanoondelite, Kyvalley Clichy, Powderkeg,  Danny Bouchea, Maori Princess, Our First Jewel, and not to forget Maori’s Idol!

“She did a tremendous job last time in,” Webster said. “She won two of her three starts, including a Group One, so we couldn’t ask for much more.

“She’s done well during her time off and has been working up nicely.

“I’ve given her some trials in which she went well and she is forward enough to give a good showing of it at Ballarat.”

To be driven by Webster, the daughter of Skyvalley has drawn the widest in the field of six.

A recent debut winner, Just A Bit Touchy, is considered the main danger from barrier five.

Prepared by premier horsewoman Emma Stewart, Just A Bit Touchy is a half-sister and stablemate to Group One Vicbred champion, Banglez.

“The draw isn’t the best, but it’s not that bad either,” Webster said. “No matter where she settles in the field she shouldn’t be too far off the leader.

“Just A Bit Touchy looked pretty good winning first-up and will make things interesting. I’m looking forward to seeing how they measure up together.

“At this stage I will give my filly another run or two then freshen her up again for races such as the Breeders’ Crown and Vicbred later in the season.

“There is a lot to like about her and plenty of upside which suggests she can continue to develop into a pretty special filly.”