Written by Paul Vettise
Amish Boy (Star Witness) has been winless for more than a year, but his bank account hasn’t been idle in the meantime with the 3-year-old regularly placing in the top level and he’s in line for another major deposit at Ipswich.
The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Amish Boy will take a step back in grade in the Listed Eye Liner S. on Saturday and he looks well-placed to double his victory tally in the hands of the very much in-form Craig Williams.
Amish Boy's sole success was at Morphettville 15 months ago and since then he has placed in and regularly featured in the judge’s call in a host of prestige events, including a third in the G1 Newmarket H. at Flemington.
He also has top three finishes to his credit at Group 2 level in the Danehill S. and the Autumn S. and Group 3 placings in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude and most recently in the Fred Best Classic to swell his earnings to more than $890,000.
While Amish Boy will have to shoulder 58kg at Ipswich, he is back to Listed grade and has drawn ideally in barrier five to give Williams, who won both the G1 Stradbroke H. and the G2 Dane Ripper S. last weekend, options aplenty.
“It does look a good race for him and he deserves to get one and hopefully he can on Saturday,” Eustace said. “He’s a very genuine horse and he’s been knocking on the door all season really, so we’re hoping he can break through.”
Strong Flemington hopes
He is the only representative of the stable at the Queensland fixture, while at Flemington they will have a number of other strong prospects including Sir Davy (Street Boss {USA}) in the Listed AR Creswick S.
Sir Davy has a brace of wins and a pair of runner-up finishes from his four appearances and a most recent success at Sandown has earned him a crack at the main event on the card.
“He’s a nice horse and quite progressive and we’re pretty hopeful he can make that necessary step up again,” Eustace said.
“He’s (Sir Davy) a nice horse and quite progressive and we’re pretty hopeful he can make that necessary step up again." - David Eustace
To be partnered by John Allen who has ridden him in three of his four outings, Sir Davy is also expected to benefit from the addition of headgear for the first time.
“He’s quite a straightforward horse, but the blinkers will go on because we think he will appreciate them going down the straight,” Eustace said.
Sir Davy
No secret about her talent
The well-related Secret Glamour (Sebring) will be looking to continue the perfect start to her career following a smart debut win at Cranbourne when she steps out in the Rod Johnson H. for the 2-year-olds.
“She’s a nice filly who definitely has a lot of ability. She has drawn well and she definitely deserves to take a shot at a race like this, we quite like her,” Eustace said.
Secret Glamour was bred by GSA Bloodstock and offered by Bhima Thoroughbreds at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale where she was purchased for $270,000 by Maher.
Secret Glamour as a yearling
The filly is a daughter of the sprint winner Palace Whispers (Snippetson) and closely related to the five-time Group 1 winner, former Australian Horse of the Year and sire Dissident.
His son Namakwa will be chasing a hat-trick of wins for Maher and Eustace when he runs in the Sir Henry Bolte H. with Ben Allen taking the reins. He was successful at Ballarat two runs back before a Flemington course and distance success at his latest appearance.
Barnmate Yulong January (King Of Prussia) will front up in the Brian Beattie H. at the top of his game following consecutive victories on this track. The 5-year-old has 60kg and a wide gate, but on the flip side is in career best form.
