Ridgeport 3yo filly Kuroyanagi returns to action this Saturday ahead of a spring campaign set to climax in the G1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield on November 16.
She has opened a $4 favourite for the $150,000 Thoroughbred Club Of Australia Plate (1200m) and she rates highly over the course and distance having been Group 1 placed in the Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield in February.
Kuroyanagi (3f Written Tycoon – Tetsuko by I Am Invincible) has been destined for a career at the top-level since being knocked down as a yearling for $390,000 to Ridgeport owner Santo Guagliardo and trainers Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea.
Offered by Yarraman Park at the 2023 Inglis Premier Sale, she is from a mare who was Group 2-placed in the 2014 Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m) at Randwick and her second-dam Magdalena (Snaadee) won the 1997 LR Burgess Queen Stakes (1400m) at Ascot.
Kuroyanagi was last seen finishing fourth in the G3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield in August. “Hopefully, we can kick off on a winning note,” O’Shea said. “She’s an exciting filly with a speed-on-speed pedigree and has strengthened and really come on since her last prep.”
Alaskan also resumes in Ridgeport’s colours on opening day at Ascot. He will be racing first-up following an autumn classic campaign that included a black-type second in the LR J C Roberts Stakes (1800m) at Ascot.
The Playing God gelding has opened at $9 for Saturday’s pipe-opener in the Quayclean Hcp (1400m) and trainer Neville Parnham rates Alaskan a ‘very talented horse’ for Guagliardo and fellow part-owner Paul Cooke.
Alaskan (4g Playing God – Lady Alaska by Reset) graduated from the Willow Dale Farm consignment (as agent) for $80,000 at the 2022 Perth Magic Millions. Bred by Greenfields Lodge, he’s a full-brother to 2022 G2 WA Derby winner Alaskan God.
Ridgeport Farm resident Rommel sired his latest maiden winner when Gold Front Thoroughbred 3yo Rise To Glory scored at Northam last Sunday. He was bred by Jason Cheetham who sold his full-brother to Simon Miller for $100,000 at this year’s Perth Magic Millions.
Rommel (Commands) stands for $6,600 alongside Ducimus (Snitzel) at $5,500. Both fees (inc GST). For bookings or more information, contact Marge Ojapold (0497 478 231), Grant Burns (0410 683 470), Steve Hoare (0409 987 970).