Anahita chases Flemington comeback win for new trainer Gavin Bedggood
Bedggood managed to prepare former WA galloper Windstorm for his first win since 2019 in last Saturday's Caulfield finale.
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Recent stable acquisition Anahita will shoot for her first win since July 2023 in Saturday's Inside Headquarters Handicap (1410m).
However, the time gap could be a touch misleading as Anahita was banned from racing for a year following a positive test for an androgenic steroid when in the care of original trainer Matt Laurie, who was later fined for the error.
Anahita has only had three starts for Bedggood since going for champion Sydney trainer Chris Waller but has steadily improved at each outing.
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Anahita raced on the speed before finishing less than two lengths from the winner in heavy conditions at Sandown before running on well when three-quarters of a length from Vienna Vixen, also at Sandown, on July 16.
'She's actually been good,' Bedggood said.
'She's travelled pretty strong, loomed to win the race at her last couple and just been found wanting late.
'She came to me in good order, very fit, so it's just been a matter of ticking her over.'
Trainer Gavin Bedggood will attempt to give Anahita her first win for two years at Flemington on Saturday. Picture: Getty Images.
Anahita is a $27 chance in early betting on Saturday's race, in which the mare will jump from Benchmark 70 class to a Benchmark 78 contest.
However, Bedggood noted Anahita had been competitive in much harder races, including when fifth, beaten 1¼ lengths in a Group 2 race over the Flemington 1400m course last spring.
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'She wasn't far off winning and was competitive in Group 2 company during Cup Week,' Bedggood said.
'Hopefully, she can get back in the winner's stall before she goes to stud.
'She's getting on in days now. I suppose she'll go off to stud this year but I'll leave that for the owners to decide.'
Another stable recruit, well-travelled galloper Casino Seventeen will be on trial for a start in a Melbourne Cup qualifier in the VRC Membership Renewals Open (2530m).
Casino Seventeen finished fifth in last year's Perth Cup before heading east to join Bedggood, who is the eight-year-old's eighth trainer.
The veteran of 49 starts has raced in every mainland state except Queensland in a career that included 10 wins and more than $1.4m in earnings.
'He's very tough, and for a tried horse, he's come to us very sound, which makes my job easier,' Bedggood said.
'Saturday is the fork in the road run. If he was to win on Saturday, we might have a throw at the Archer (Stakes) and just see where you land.
'But there's plenty of second level races around for him at this time of the year,'
The winner of the Archer Stakes will earn a Melbourne Cup ballot exemption.
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