Phillip Stokes will saddle up a sentimental runner at Flemington on Saturday, with debutant Bold Secret representing one of the trainer’s earliest racing families.
Set to contest the VRC Member Sarah Hart Trophy, Bold Secret lines up after claiming three jump-outs at Pakenham, his latest coming on July 8.
The son of Brazen Beau, Bold Secret is out of Private Nancy and descends from Nancy Eleanor, a mare who gave Stokes one of his breakthrough stakes wins when capturing the Adelaide Guineas at Morphettville in 2003.
Nancy Eleanor later produced both Private Nancy and Group 1 Golden Slipper hero Phelan Ready, linking Bold Secret to a successful maternal line.
Stokes reflected on the long-standing connection with the Broad family, who campaign Bold Secret and were among his first owners after he began training in 2000.
“It’s a special story,” Stokes said. “The Broads were early clients. I trained Bold Secret’s granddam, Nancy Eleanor, and she gave me my first stakes winner. Joe Bowditch rode her to win the Adelaide Guineas, and he’s done some work on Bold Secret too.”
Craig Williams takes the reins this weekend as the stable eyes a promising future for the colt, who nearly headed overseas before a vet clearance halted a Hong Kong sale.
“He was all but sold to Hong Kong. I wasn’t thrilled when it fell through, but it turns out we’ve kept a nice horse,” Stokes added. “He trialled well, settled back, and hit the line nicely. This race will be a good gauge.”
Stokes is targeting the straight track at Flemington to test Bold Secret’s ability ahead of a potential spring campaign.
The same race last year was won by First Settler, who later claimed the Group 2 Danehill Stakes before retiring to stud.
This year’s edition has drawn a field of ten, headed by multiple stakes winner Shining Smile, who carries topweight of 62.5kg, reduced by Logan Bates’ 3kg claim.
If you’re planning to bet on Bold Secret or any other runner this Saturday, check out the top bookmakers and promos at Australia’s leading betting sites.