It is a rarity for Joe Pride to debut a two-year-old prior to Christmas, but Godolphin filly Originate presents as a juvenile ready for immediate competition.
Pride, who is widely recognised for his deliberate training approach and his success in extending the careers of horses such as Private Eye, Coal Crusher, and Estadio Mestalla, stated that Originate’s natural athleticism and early development have her in contention for an early debut in Saturday’s $1 million Golden Gift (1100m).
“Everything I ask her, she’s able to do it. That’s the marker,” Pride stated.
“If they’re able to do it, they’re ready when they’re ready. I don’t necessarily have an age I need them to be to race. I just need them to be ready, and everything she’s showing so far is she’s there.
“She has got very much a two-year-old family behind her. She’s a beautiful filly, and in time, I think she’s going to make a really nice horse.”
While Pride’s juvenile runners before Christmas are uncommon, he did prepare Shalatin to achieve a second-place finish behind Sejardan in the 2021 renewal of Saturday’s race.
Considering the significant influence of barriers from the 1100m start at Rosehill, Pride was hoping for a low draw and was successful in securing gate two for Originate.
In her most recent trial, the filly finished ahead of Golden Gift rivals Vain Ambition and Sharjawiyah. Despite exhibiting some greenness in parts, Pride indicated that this was due to her learning to race among other horses rather than any issues with her tractability.
“(Jockey) Chad (Schofield) was more saying she was running away from the other horse. It’s all new for her and that’s why I wanted a good draw. I don’t want to make it too hard for her,” he commented.
“She’s tractable at home. She’s a quick learner. She’s got a lot going for her.”
Originate, a homebred for Godolphin, is sired by the exceptional stallion Street Boss, sire of Everest winner Tempted, and is out of the Group 3-winning mare Emanate, who is by Lonhro.
Check out the latest racing odds for the Golden Gift at Australian betting sites.