Mare’s chance to bolster breeding prospects

FRENCH mare Hopeful Beauty has a prime opportunity to add to her broodmare status when she returns to Tabcorp Park Melton tomorrow night.

Already boasting a highly-desired bloodline, Hopeful Beauty will bolster her appeal if successful in the Lyn McPherson Memorial.

Runner-up in two heats of the Group One, the Anton Golino-trained trotter has drawn to break through to the winners’ circle in the $50,000 Final.

Receiving barrier three, Hopeful Beauty slots into two following a scratching which is predicted to see driver Josh Duggan search for the lead.

TAB Fixed Odds have the daughter of Brillantissime as the $2.50 second favourite, with Vacation Hill heading the market at $1.85.

Prepared by multiple premiership winning horseman Andy Gath, Vacation Hill will begin from the inside of the second row.

Pleased with the five-year-old’s progress, Golino is confident Hopeful Beauty can secure the prestigious event.

“She is going really well,” Golino said. “I’ve been happy with her two runs in the heats and she’s been working as good as ever.

“She’s got a nice draw and hopefully she can make the most of it on the night.”

Citing Vacation Hill as the obvious one to beat, Golino also expects Aldebaran Crescent to play a role in the finish despite her second row draw.

“Andy’s is the biggest threat as she seems like a pretty nice type,” Golino said. “Aldebaran Crescent just performed admirably in the Great Southern Star and can’t be overlooked even from her draw.

“I’ve got no doubt my mare is capable of winning, but she still has to get the job done.”