Rancho Montoya to do dam proud

Group One-winning mare Isolda could have saved the best for last with Rancho Montoya who makes his city debut at Doomben.

Rancho Montoya, who is the last foal out of Isolda, will tackle a handy field in Saturday’s Variety Children’s Charity 2YO (1350m).

A daughter of the legendary Sir Tristram, Isolda’s owners included late Brisbane bookmaker Stan Tapsall.

She is renowned for beating champion Octagonal in the 1995 Group One Champagne Stakes at Randwick after he beat her in the Sires’ Produce Stakes.

Isolda has been a success as a broodmare with nine of her 11 foals to race winning, with the best to date Group Three winner Bid Spotter.

Rancho Montoya made short work of an open maiden field at his only start when he won at Ipswich two weeks ago.

The colt cost $70,000 at the Magic Millions sales and is raced by the Ezybonds No 1 Syndicate.

Banner error, could not find casino id "william-hill-sport"

Trainer Stuart Kendrick had hoped to have Rancho Montoya ready to run during the winter carnival but a minor setback meant those plans were shelved.

Kendrick isn’t getting carried away with Rancho Montoya but hopes the colt can develop into a top-line performer.

“If he wins on Saturday we can start thinking about taking him south for races like the (Group One) Caulfield Guineas,” Kendrick said.

“But we will get over Saturday first and go from there.”

Kendrick could also have filly Italia Bella in Melbourne this spring.

Italia Bella is still a maiden but her three runs have all been in stakes races and she has reaped two minor placings.

Kendrick is hoping she might develop into a Thousand Guineas contender.