The HEALEY RACING team will head across the border this afternoon with a two pronged attack on the last event of the Murwillumbah card for Lang Brothers Racing.
Four year old mares QIJI BELLEZZA and NEVER LOSE FAITH will fly the stable flag in race seven on the card , a Benchmark 58 over 1550 metres, set to jump at 5.20pm (EDST) .
Both mares are at different stages of their preparations , QIJI BELLEZZA coming off an impressive last start maiden victory at Lismore , whilst NEVER LOSE FAITH returns to the races first up after a spell.
The market is certainly respecting both runners with QIJI BELLEZZA slightly ahead of her stable mate at $5.50 in early markets.
The 1550m looks ideal for the four year old daughter of PIERRO after she was able to shake her maiden tag with a strong performance as the well backed fav at Lismore over 1410m a fortnight ago.
Jockey Matthew McGuren was in the saddle on that occasion and he retains the ride this afternoon .
NEVER LOSE FAITH on the other hand returns to the races after what can only be described as a mixed preparation when last in work and Andrew Mallyon takes the ride .
The mare struggled to recapture the form which saw her win impressively at Doomben last March , her best effort a third placing at Toowoomba in August , when a well supported $3.30 chance.
NEVER LOSE FAITH was given a good break following that effort and the time in the paddock has certainly done her a world of good as she looks a much stronger mare this time in.
Healey has certainly poured the work into the EPAULETTE mare prior to todays first up assignment over the 1550m , courtesy of three jump outs and an official barrier trial at the Sunshine Coast.
“It’s certainly an interesting situation having two of our mares contesting the same race “ said managing owner Matt Lang .
“I can’t recall it ever happening before but this race looks very suitable for both mares given where each are in their respective programs”.
“We have always thought QIJI would relish the step up in trip and I thought she was very strong through the line at Lismore “ added Lang .
“NEVER LOSE FAITH is first up today at the 1550m , but from what she has shown us at home, I think this looks a really good kick off point for her “.
“She is a mare who takes a while to wind up , so kicking her off at this distance will give her a chance to run on late” said Lang.
“You saw that when she won at Doomben last year over the 1630m on a heavy track , and from the good draw , I am certainly not ruling out a first up win this afternoon“ concluded Lang .
There is an extra sting in the tail for Lang Brothers Racing this afternoon should she get the cash given they own NEVER LOSE FAITH’s dam , SAVABEEL mare FAITH IN MY .
“FAITH IN MY has a lovely HARRY ANGEL colt at foot and is currently in foal to exciting first season sire TASSORT” commented Lang Brothers Racing chairman Stuart Lang .
“We originally raced her sister FIGHTING FAITH with Bjorn Baker in Sydney and then Ciaran Maher in Melbourne before she was sold to Healey Racing through Inglis Digital“.
“Its far to say she never really delivered on some early promise and Billy rightly moved her on , but NEVER LOSE FAITH looks capable of flying the family flag this prep and a win this afternoon would look good on the breeding page “ added Lang.
Aforementioned mare FIGHTING FAITH almost got the cash at Rockhampton on Friday night narrowly missing the major prize for new trainer Kerrod Smyth in a strong sign for a good showing this afternoon for the progeny.
“You always think you’re a chance of getting the quinella and today is no different ” joked Matt Lang.
“If I had to stick my neck out I would probably have a slight leaning towards QIJI , but as long as both horses run well , we will be happy” he concluded.
The Murwillumbah card kicks off at 1.50pm today with coverage broadcast live on Sky Thoroughbred Central.
