One of Chris Waller’s former top mares, Invincibella, is now making her mark off the track, with her second foal, Barking Mad, set to debut at Rosehill this Saturday.
The Wootton Bassett colt will step out in the Thank You ATC Members Handicap (1100m), nearly a year after his half-sister Mergeila had her first run at the same course.
Invincibella, who earned her Group 1 status and won three consecutive Magic Millions Fillies and Mares races, was trained by Waller. Now, assistant Charlie Duckworth is excited about her broodmare career.
“I think she is going to be an amazing broodmare,” Duckworth said.
“We’ve got Mergeila, who is the first of her offspring. We bought the third one as well at Easter this year, all based around what we’re seeing, not only from Mergeila but also from Barking Mad.”
Barking Mad has been well-educated with four trials under his belt, including a recent third over 900m at Rosehill.
Whether he takes his place on Saturday or waits for Canterbury next week will depend on the ground, but Duckworth is optimistic about what’s to come.
“The 1100 metres is probably going to be a little bit short, being out of Invincibella,” he said.
“But we think he will be a carnival horse in time.”
Barking Mad was purchased for $625,000 at Magic Millions, while stablemate Portofino cost $750,000 and is set to run in the same race.
The I Am Invincible colt is part of the Newgate colts syndicate and has been gradually maturing, according to Duckworth.
“When he first arrived, he was a naturally forward going horse and it has taken forever and a day to get him to switch off and relax and harness his energy a bit better,” he said.
“He is finally doing that right and the 1100 will suit him down to the ground.
“If he can tick all the boxes and do everything right on Saturday, we’ll be happy, and then we can see where he fits into the spring.”
Dylan Gibbons will ride Portofino from barrier five, while Rory Hutchings will pilot Barking Mad from gate two.
For those considering a flutter on Barking Mad or Portofino, check out the top-rated betting sites in Australia for the latest odds and offers.
