Expectations were considerable when Angels Fury made her debut at Caulfield earlier this year.
The Ciaron Maher-trained filly was heavily supported at $1.70 in the Blue Diamond Preview in January, but could only manage to trail the field home after showing promise in jump-outs.
A month ago, Angels Fury made a successful return in a country two-year-old maiden, winning as the easing $1.95 favourite.
Now, Angels Fury is set to line up again at Caulfield for the Sportsbet Race Reviews Handicap (1100m) this Saturday, aiming to re-establish her credentials.
Jack Turnbull, National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, conveyed the stable’s consistent high opinion of Angels Fury, believing she has the potential to reach a good level.
“She’s always been impressive since day one,” Turnbull said.
“To run on debut and run the way she did was very deflating, but at the end of the day we knew we had a young horse that pulled up with a few issues and we were able to reset and come back.”
“All through her training this prep, she has been A-one. It’s been there to see in her jump-outs and that translated into her Bendigo run.”
The Maher team’s confidence in Angels Fury’s ability was such that they purchased her half-brother, by Spirit Of Boom, at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale before the filly’s debut.
“You want to back your judgement of what you see at home and to see it race day, even in a maiden, it’s very satisfying,” Turnbull commented.
“Hopefully we can continue because she has a lot of upside.”
Turnbull stated that Saturday’s performance would be a significant factor in planning Angels Fury’s future program.
The stable’s interim plan involves a cautious approach, advancing “month, month, month,” provided all goes well.
“If she was to win on Saturday, being a city class race, you would have to consider going up in class, a Stakes race, but we’re one race at a time,” Turnbull advised.
“She’ll get there eventually, whether it’s this spring or the autumn.”
Apprentice jockey Jabez Johnstone, currently in good form, will claim 3kg, reducing Angels Fury’s weight to 54.5kg.
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