"Need more evidence": Why Gately isn't getting carried away with 2YO filly

By Connor Scanlon

As the Spring Racing Carnival edges closer towards us, it’s time to start looking at the futures markets for some key Group 1s.

When analysing the opening Group 1 of the Flemington Carnival on Derby Day - the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) - there is an interesting runner who has bolstered in the market.

And that is none other than the Ciaron Maher-trained two-year-old filly, Angels Fury, who has two wins from two starts this winter.

The daughter of Harry Angel most recently claimed victory on Saturday at Caulfield, and when reflecting on her 0.75 length triumph, SENTrack & RSN’s Gareth Hall revealed that expert mounting yard analyst Peter Anthonisz had super praise for this two-year-old.

Something which respected tipster David Gately also took notice of.

Hall: “I love this filly.”

“Peter Anthonisz, who looks at these horses in the yard closely, indicated that this is the best two-year-old that he's seen from a physical presence in the yard.

“She won like a good horse (on Saturday).”

Gately: “I agree, it was a terrific win. She never really looked in any sort of danger.

“I'm certainly sitting up and taking notice and respecting those comments from respected analysts who know what to look for in the yard.”

Angels Fury is currently $9 with Sportsbet to take out the Coolmore Stud Stakes on October 31, but is that price an over or under-reaction to her Caulfield triumph?

Gately admitted that he wouldn’t be backing the filly just yet, and wants to wait for more evidence on the promising horse.

“I don't think I'd go and back her in yet,” Gately admitted.

“I love an early play, but I need to see a little more evidence before I get that carried away.”

Hall continued by revealing that the Maher camp have very high expectations for the daughter of Harry Angel but may not run her in the Coolmore Stud Stakes if she fails to keep progressing.

“She'll go to the Quezette now which is about 5 weeks' time away," said Hall.

“Ciaron Maher's got that great ability with these horses, with all the different facilities that he can go to with his horses, that he can keep them up for a while.

“So, I think if she continues to progress, the Coolmore Stud Stakes will definitely be in their sights.

“I think they believe that she's got a big future, Angels Fury.

“But if she shows any signs of training off slightly, they'll put her away and get set for an autumn.”

Golden Slipper winner, Guest House is currently the $5 favourite, while The Next Episode ($6), Streisand ($8) and Hard Kick ($8.50) are all ahead of Angels Fury in the market for the Coolmore Stud Stakes.