Todd Pollard is just starting out with his own training operation, yet after a short period, his string of horses is expanding quickly.
Scrumptious represents a new addition to the roster for the ex-assistant to Annabel, and she holds promise for future success.
Prior to last month, the three-year-old filly had been trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, but following her $75,000 purchase via an Inglis digital auction, Pollard recognises her capabilities that might shine in the Seven Benchmark 70 Handicap (1350m) at Ipswich this Thursday.
“We scratched from a sticky draw yesterday at Doomben and this is a similar race although a step up in trip but this is a bit weaker than the midweek metro grade last time,” Pollard said.
“She is a pretty handy horse and being a winner in town in Sydney, she does get hammered by the handicapper up here.
“She has been rated like she has won two-and-a-half races rather than one race.”
The three-year-old filly demonstrated her ability by securing her maiden victory at Canterbury over 1250m on January 30 and enters as a $3.50 favourite in Thursday’s Ipswich contest.
In her most recent outing, she placed seventh, defeated by three lengths at Doomben over 1200m.
“Last start in benchmark 70 grade, it was actually a pretty strong race and for a lightly raced three-year-old filly she was taking on handy opposition.
“There were horses there a couple of horses who have won six races and that was tough on a little three-year-old filly.
“She is probably looking for 1350m and, who knows, she might even get to a mile in time.”
Top jockey Ben Thompson partnered Scrumptious in her latest run and keeps the ride from gate two at Ipswich.
Explore the Australian betting sites for top racing odds on the Seven Benchmark 70 Handicap at Ipswich.