Big goals in sight for impressive debutante Inflamed
Inflamed coming through for jockey Corey Campbell.
By Jonny Turner
Inflamed took her first step towards some serious goals with a strong maiden victory at Gore on Wednesday.
Inflamed (Ghibellines-Ortem Fire-Gallant Guru) powered through to score impressively over 1200m as soon as she saw clear air in the home straight for rider Corey Campbell.
Though it is clearly early days for the daughter of smart race mare Ortem Fire, trainers Brian and Shane Anderton camp have a big target in mind for her.
“It is only a dream at the moment, as it always is, but we would like to aim her at the New Zealand Oaks,” Brian Anderton said.
“She is a very relaxed filly, she drops the bit and only does what she has to until she is asked to quicken.”
“It is only an idea at this stage, but we will aim her at the Oaks and she will soon show us if she is good enough to be there.”
“She has done everything right so far, so hopefully she is.”
Inflamed’s pedigree suggests she would relish getting over a staying trip.
Ortem Fire won her maiden at the same time of year her three-year-old daughter has, before going on to run second in the Listed Southland Guineas and the Listed Warstep Stakes, as well as winning the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes.
Inflamed will now be freshened before the Andertons start plotting a path forward for her.
“The three-year-old races aren’t til later on so we will back off her now and bring her back when there is more around for her.”
Inflamed is bred and raced by Brian and Lorraine Anderton
Ortem Fire has left a two-year-old filly who the Andertons sold to many of the same owners who enjoyed an incredible ride with Ablaze (Raise The Flag-Alight-Personal Escort) in both New Zealand and Australia.
“It has been a great old breed, it went quiet for a little while there it has fired up again and they have been doing a great job,” Brian Anderton said.
The Anderton stable is now gearing up for one of the annual highlights at Wingatui in Melbourne Cup Day.
Horses like Burgie, Giveitago, Capo Dell Impero, Haggle and Ruby’s Lad are among the 11-strong team that is being aimed at the meeting.