Haggle and Inflamed have big targets in sight

Inflamed in action

By Jonny Turner 

It’s on to the Dunedin Guineas after the real Haggle rounded up his rivals in style at Wingatui on Saturday.

Haggle (Ghibellines-Barter-Canny Lad) showed his true class with a winning return to racing following a freshen up.

Nothing went right for the three-year-old in the spring but Brian Anderton had the answer for that.

“For some reason or another he wasn’t at his best in the spring, although he didn’t have much luck either.”

“He was in good order, but I said to the boys the best recipe for him is a bit of good grass.”

“He came back in looking magnificent and we have been thrilled with him right the way through.”

“It was nice to see him back to his best at the races on Saturday, he will run in the Dunedin Guineas here next.”

Haggle is raced by long-time White Robe Lodge clients Ray and Alison Kean and Ian and Sue Nichol.

Inflamed (Ghibellines-Ortem Fire-Gallant Guru) and Elsie May will also target the Dunedin Guineas.

Brian Anderton admits he has dared to dream about what Inflamed could achieve this campaign.

“When you get old you dream about these things, but I would like to send her to Sydney for the Oaks over there.”

“I would like to give her a chance at a big race like that, if she warrants it.”

“She would have to run well in the Guineas here to think about going.”

“You dream about breeding, owning and training a horse to line up in a big race like that.”

“We will see how she goes and whether she warrants the trips.”

Naturally, Anderton has had a good opinion of Inflamed for some time considering he thinks highly enough of her to send her to Australia.

“Her mother was a hell of a mare and she is from a great family.”

“Right from day one, she has been a lovely, lovely horse.”

“Her first start at Gore, it was only a small field but she was impressive and she has just kept stepping up.”

Burgie (Ghibellines-Norah-Gallant Guru) also produced an excellent performance for the Anderton stable at Wingatui on Friday, just missing out by the barest of margins in an ODT Southern Mile Qualifier.

The mare will head to another heat of the series at Wingatui on Champions Day.