WFA aims for stronger Begood Toya Mother

Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes winner Begood Toya Mother will launch his campaign in the Australia Stakes.

Popular gelding Begood Toya Mother figures prominently in early voting for the $5 million All-Star Mile but is far from certain to head to the rich race.

The Daniel Bowman-trained five-year-old capped an impressive rise during 2019 when he delivered on a long-range plan to win the Group One Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in September.

That was his seventh win from eight starts during 2019 which began with a victory in benchmark-64 grade.

Days out from Begood Toya Mother’s return in Friday night’s Group Two Australia Stakes (1200m) at The Valley, Bowman believes all indications are his stable star can take another step up.

His targets are next month’s weight-for-age Group One C F Orr Stakes and Futurity Stakes, both over 1400m at Caulfield.

Bowman is non-committal about the $5 million All-Star Mile (1600m) at Caulfield on March 14, despite the gelding being sixth in early polling with the top 10 vote getters earning a spot.

He is on the fourth line of betting at $15 with Alligator Blood the $6 favourite.

“At the moment we’ve definitely locked in Friday night’s race and then the Orr and the Futurity,” Bowman said.

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“And then it will depend how he races in those races.

“If he wins one of the two 1400-metre Group Ones, it might be an All-Star Mile.

“If he doesn’t win one of them it will potentially be a Queensland preparation for three Group Ones.”

Begood Toya Mother is one of six Group One winners among 14 nominations for the weight-for-age Australia Stakes (1200m).

Ahead of Wednesday’s acceptances he was third favourite in an all-in market at $4.60, with multiple Group One winner Hey Doc favourite.

“Physically in himself he’s strengthened up a lot and he looks like he’s ready to make that jump to weight-for-age,” Bowman said.

“His work has been a lot better and stronger, so he’s ticking a lot of boxes at home to say that he’s ready to do it.

“Friday night is a little bit of a test but it’s not really his suitable distance. If the track is a bit firm there’ll be a couple that will probably be a bit slick for him but even if he’s running a nice third, fourth or fifth then we’re on track for the Orr two weeks later.”