Aaron Goadsby entered 2023 full of optimism, confident that he had a host of talented harness racing juveniles in his stable.
The Hunter Valley mentor is well known for his ability to build strong racing syndications and that group of owners set their sights on finding a potential top youngster by attending most of the 2022 Yearling Sales along the eastern seaboard, where they were able to purchase some well-bred stock.
The majority of those now two-year-olds have made the track this season and have shown promise but one that Goadsby believes can go to the next level is the filly Luvaresches (Art Major).
The filly is raced by a syndicate of owners from all over Australia and the daughter of Art Major has primarily contested feature races and has only been unplaced once in her seven-start career.
In her most recent run, Luvaresches produced a stellar performance when she flashed home to run second behind Eye Believe in the $400,000 APG Gold Bullion final after being held up at a vital stage.
“She has been a really honest, professional little filly for her owners,” said Goadsby.
“Her record is impressive and when you add the bonuses she has picked up has earnt more than $100,000 from just seven race starts.
“These are the types of fillies you dream of getting your hands on when going to the sales to buy.”
Luvaresches will soon head to the spelling paddock, but Goadsby has set one more target for the filly before that well-earned break.
She will contest the NSW Bred Two-year-old series with heats for that feature currently being conducted throughout the state.
Culminating in a $30,600 final at Menangle on June 3, a qualifying heat is being held tonight at Newcastle and Luvaresches is likely to start as favourite in the six-horse field after drawing gate four.
“She is feeling great after her run at Menangle a fortnight ago,” said Goadsby.
“Her trips to Bathurst and Sydney have not harmed her at all and I could not be happier with her condition going into this race.”
Three of the six runners in tonight’s qualifier are having their first career starts while the remaining two Sydney visitors have been unplaced at their respective outings.
Montalbano is the horse to beat in the three-year-old heat of the NSW State Bred series tonight.
For complete race entries, click here.
by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW