Under the Radar – Newcastle

At this time of year we find a lot of promising three year-olds popping up at provincial Saturday meetings as they seek to put runs on the board to earn a crack at spring Black Type and two such winners caught our eye at Newcastle on Saturday.

Medaglia D'Oro (USA) colt Famous carried the James Harron Bloodstock colours to a very easy two length win in the 1200 metre maiden as a hot favourite at his first run back from a spell.

The Peter and Paul Snowden trained colt was thrown into the deep end on debut in the autumn contesting the Group III ATC Pago Pago Stakes in which he finished eighth to Cosmic Force before running second to another promising horse in Deep Sea in a Randwick maiden.

He's obviously come back well and is entered for the Group I MRC Caulfield Guineas.

A $750,000 Inglis Easter purchase from the draft of Segenhoe Stud, Famous was bred by Fairway Thoroughbreds, who have bred and sold the likes of Winx and Vancouver. He is is the first foal of Group III winning Redoute's Choice mare A Time for Julia.

Winning the previous race, a 1200 metre maiden for fillies and mares, was three year-old Sebring filly Heart of the Oak, who was also a short priced favourite and won with easy scoring by more than two lengths.

The Gerald Ryan trained filly was slowly away when second on debut last month, but made no mistakes this time to lead all the way and win as she pleased.

A $400,000 Inglis Easter purchase for Sun Bloodstock from the Turangga Farm draft, Heart of the Oak is a full sister to Group II winner Believe Yourself and is the fifth winner from well bred Encosta de Lago mare Private, a half-sister to Group III winner Tulyl Dane and stakes-winner My Goodgrace.

Heart of the Oak is entered for the Group I MRC Thousand Guineas.