Racing
Woosh swoops in for the Gold Sovereign
Well-bred debutant, Woosh, has added intrigue to Friday night’s $150,000 Listed The Agency, Katrina Garwood & Ian McCallum Gold Sovereign Stakes (1200m) in Launceston.
The John Blacker-trained Aristopolos has taken all before him in the Tasmanian two-year-old ranks this season, but the presence of a visitor adds a different dimension to the race.
Woosh (Wooton Bassett x Oohood) was a $380,000 purchase at the 2025 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale by Shane Nichols Racing. Nichols trains the horse in partnership with Hayden Black at Mornington, Victoria.
"We're not bringing her down there because we don't think much of her. She's got a big pedigree, and we'd like to get a bit of black type on the board straight away," said Hayden Black.
Wooton Bassett, who passed away last year from pneumonia, was one of the world's best stallions, while Woosh's mother, Oohood, was a Group 1 winner in the 2018 Flight Stakes.
"She wasn't quite ready for those early two-year-old series; we brought her up slowly, and we thought the Gold Sovereign might be light on numbers."
Woosh has had a pair of recent jump-outs in Victoria, finishing both under a hard hold. She's drawn barrier seven in the field of eight and will be ridden by multiple Group 1 winning jockey Luke Currie.
"We were very happy with her jump out at Caulfield the other day, she did it pretty easily."
Aristopolos, who has won all four Tasmanian two-year-old races this season, seemingly has the measure of the locals, and Black has taken notice of his performances.
"He's obviously been very impressive, and we have a lot of respect for him."
The Nichols/Black training partnership will have a runner in both features on Friday night, with Stelletta stepping out in the $150,000 Listed Kevin Sharkie Tasmanian Oaks (2100m).
The seven-start maiden finished sixth of eight in the Strutt Stakes on Hobart Cup Day, but Black expects an improved performance.
"It just didn't go to plan at all in the Strutt, and she doesn't like soft tracks, so that was a bit of a disaster.
"Blinkers on and a good gate, she'll be right up in the race, and she'll run well."
Stelletta will be ridden by stable apprentice Lauren Burke, who is currently on loan to John Blacker for a three-month period in Tasmania.
Hayden Black will make the trip down for the Friday night meeting in Launceston and will remain in the state for Monday's Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale.
"There are a couple in the catalogue that we've had a look at, and we'll see what they look like in the flesh. We're not hell-bent on buying one, but Shane and I are pretty compulsive."
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