The Annabel Neasham-trained Hopeful (FR) is shaping an inspired purchase for Grant Morgan’s Ontrack Thoroughbreds after opening his Australian account in the Listed Lord Mayors Cup (2000m) at Rosehill.
Hopeful (FR) had a few miles on the clock when consigned by Wertheimer & Frère to the 2021 Arqana Arc Sale.
Blandford Bloodstock/Ontrack Thoroughbreds had the final say at €130,000, among the least expensive at the sale.
For a stoutly bred son of Epsom Derby winner Motivator, Hopeful (FR) was quick out of the blocks at two.
He broke his maiden over 1500m at Deauville on debut before finishing second in the Group III Prix des Chenes over a mile at Longchamp.
Hopeful (FR) rounded out his juvenile year when winning the Group III Prix de Conde at Chantilly.
After a year off the track, Hopeful (FR) made just three starts at three, winning the last of those in a conditions race at Fontainebleau.
The son of Motivator was busier at four, winning two of six starts. He was sales bound following a third in a Listed race at Craon.
After landing in Australia last October, Hopeful (FR) made his Australian debut on April 30. Hopeful did well to finish second to Kirwan’s Lane despite his pre-race antics in the Group III Hawkesbury Gold Cup.
He was better behaved for Rachel King on Saturday, although his winning hopes looked forlorn when The Frontman skipped away to what looked to be a winning lead.
Hopeful (FR) knuckled down to his task to defeat the Frontman by a long neck.
The rising 6yo gelding is out of the winning Monsun mare Monst, who comes from a long line of Argentinian Group 1 winners. She is a daughter of Group 1 winner First One (Southern Halo), granddaughter of triple Group 1 winner Fontemar (Babor), and great-granddaughter of dual Group 1 winner Fontana (Farnesio).
