Prominent trainer Kim Waugh is banking on a winning home-track debut for National News at Wyong, hoping the first foal of her talented mare Newsfan can achieve the success her mother was denied due to an abbreviated career.
A Legacy of Unfulfilled Potential
Waugh remains convinced that the racing world never witnessed the full capabilities of Newsfan, who managed just nine career starts. Despite this limited campaign, the mare secured an impressive record of three wins and five second-place finishes. Her notable performances included running second behind Serene Miss in both the Provincial Championship Qualifier at Gosford and the rich $500,000 Final at Randwick.
"She did a tendon so we never saw the best of her but she had a lot of ability," Waugh stated, reflecting on Newsfan's career, which also featured a commanding first-up victory at Rosehill.
National News Ready to Shine
All eyes are now on National News to continue the family legacy. The three-year-old filly has already shown significant promise, securing an all-the-way win by three lengths in a trial at Wyong on November 10. This dominant performance against Tatsu Belle has bolstered confidence ahead of her official race debut in the 3YO & Up Maiden Handicap over 1000 metres.
"She was an immature filly and we have really looked after her because she has got a lot of ability," Waugh explained. "She was very good in winning her trial the other week."
Jockey Alysha Collett has been engaged for the ride. Waugh noted that while the filly possesses natural speed, she doesn't necessarily need to lead. "I think she will get across and be handy there somewhere. Just as long as she is comfortable," the trainer said.
Stablemates Poised for Strong Performances
Waugh's Wyong team extends beyond National News, with several other runners poised for competitive efforts.
Gloria, another three-year-old filly, returns to her home track for the Provincial Maiden Plate over 1350 metres after a pleasing third on debut behind Composed and Sequista on November 16.
"I was very happy with her first run. The two that beat her look pretty handy," Waugh commented. "She was chasing a bit through the run but I was very happy with the way she hit the line... With the experience of that run and the step up in distance, she should jump and travel a lot better this time and be in the finish again." Jay Ford retains the ride.
Shambretta, who provided Waugh with her 700th training win at Newcastle last month, seeks redemption in the Benchmark 64 Handicap after a sixth placing at Wyong. Waugh attributed that performance to the firm track conditions. "He's a nice horse but he doesn't like really hard tracks and the track was just too firm for him last start," she said, expressing hope that track watering would improve conditions.
Completing Waugh's strong hand is Rhinestone Lad, who enters the Benchmark 68 Handicap in consistent form with a win and two placings this campaign, including a recent third at Wyong.
Dilmi Chasing Home Track Milestone
Meanwhile, emerging trainer Nacim Dilmi is chasing a significant personal milestone at Wyong, seeking his first winner on his home track. Dilmi has already prepared nine winners in his first four months of training, including a metropolitan winner.
"It would be great if they both can win and not only give me my first home track winner, but also my first double," Dilmi said of his two leading chances.
His charge I Am Carrot lines up in the Provincial Maiden Plate following an encouraging first-up second at Gosford on November 11. "It was a very good first-up run when beaten by what looks like a very talented horse," Dilmi noted. "I think he has improved from the run and with the step up in distance on his home track, I think he will be hard to beat."
Dilmi also saddles up promising filly Sapling in the Class 1 Handicap, a heat of the Rising Star series for apprentices. The three-year-old daughter of Anders has trialled impressively ahead of her return and could be aimed at the Magic Millions 3YO & 4YO Stakes at the Gold Coast in January with a strong performance.
