Sebring 3YO’s Impress at Sandown

Sebring had a super year in 2018 with 14 Australian stakes-winners in that calendar year, but 2019 promises to be even better with a pair of lightly raced three year-olds stamping themselves as horses to follow after scoring impressively at Sandown on Wednesday.

One of the most astute breeders in the business having given us the likes of Black Caviar, Jameka, All Too Hard and The Quarterback, Rick Jamieson of Gilgai Farm saw his black colours carried to victory in the first race by hombred filly Amanika.

Prepared by Mick Kent, Amanika was unplaced on debut at Geelong in June last year on a heavy track, but returned from a good long spell a much stronger filly.

She settled last in the field of nine and came out wide to charge home and win the 1300 metre maiden by a neck going away.

Amanikan is the first living foal of Group II winning Savabeel mare My Emotion, a half-sister to the dam of Group I ATC Champagne Stakes winner Seabrook from the famed “Tennessee” family that has also produced Group I winners Aloha and Malaguerra.

Saluting in the next race was Sebring gelding Ridgewood Drive, a half-brother to Group I Queensland Derby winner Sonntag.

Second on debut last month at Bendigo, the Anthony Freedman trained Ridgewood Drive relished the step up to 1500 metres and cast off maiden status with a powerful length and a quarter win as favourite.

Bred and offered for sale by Torryburn Stud, Ridgewood Drive was bought by Freedman Racing for $140,000 at Inglis Easter and runs for a big group of owners woth Torryburn Stud retaining share.

Ridgewood Drive is the fourth winner for Parfaits, a half-sister by Strategic to Grouyp I winner Flavour.