Belle Of The Turf Stakes Ideal for Anisha

Trainer Mark Newnham is confident that Anisha is in the right form to overcome a classy field and win the Group 3 Belle Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at Gosford Racecourse on Friday afternoon.

Anisha will have to overcome the likes of Asinara (pictured) in Friday's Belle Of The Turf Stakes at Gosford. Photo: Steve Hart

Anisha will have to overcome the likes of Asinara (pictured) in Friday’s Belle Of The Turf Stakes at Gosford. Photo: Steve Hart

Anisha began her racing career under the guidance of Bjorn Baker partway through the 2015 racing calendar, but has arguably found her best condition and results throughout her six starts for Newnham.

Having returned this time for consecutive wins in the Snap Fitness Tuggerah Handicap (1200m) and TAB Rewards BM67 (1300m), Newnham was pleased with the way that the daughter of High Chaparral overcame a slow start to finish second in the Schweppes BM68 (1600m) at Randwick last time out; her first attempt a mile.

“She probably just needed a bit more pace in the race but she hit the line well,” Newnham told AAP.

“She’s ticked that box now. We know she runs a mile.”

Newnham concedes that the Belle Of The Turf Stakes has drawn a talented crop of fillies and mares this year, but is confident that his runner’s form will stack up.

“I’ve had a look at the last couple of years and mares with a similar rating to her have raced well,” he said.

“She’s in career-best form and the Towell family who own her are breeders so it’s an opportunity for her to try and get some black type.”

Anisha has finished outside the first three only a handful of times throughout her fifteen career starts; securing three wins and a further six minors.

Trialling well prior to her debut for Newnham’s Warwick Farm operation in winter last year, Anisha ran a handy third in the Erina League Clubs BM65 (1200m) at the Gosford circuit first-up on June 17th.

Progressing to a credible performance for fifth in the Hoolihan Partners BM65 (1350m), the mare out of Quiet Life was returned to the paddock after she finished third in the Gibson Howlin Lawyers BM65 (1400m) on July 16th, with a view towards summer and early autumn targets.

The 2017 Belle Of The Turf Stakes field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, Wednesday.

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.