Cup bloodlines on show at Gatton

A son of a three-quarter sister to three-time Melbourne Cup winner La Amistad makes his debut at Gatton today.

Kelly Schweida debuts Effort at Gatton today. Picture: Peter Bull

RACING: In a Melbourne Cup week to remember for the Darling Downs, it’s fitting that a gelding with ties to the race’s most successful horse makes its debut at Gatton tomorrow.

The impecibally-bred Effort will go around in the Maiden Handicap (1100m) for trainer Kelly Schweida.

The three-year-old is by super sire I Am Invincible from La Amistad, a three-quarter sister to three-time Cup winner Makybe Diva.

Just two days ago, Assumption College Warwick principal Kort Goldman celebrated as a part owner of this year’s Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare.

Despite winning a trial at Doomben recently by a length, Schweida said he isn’t coming into today’s race with big expectations.

“I’m not really confident. I haven’t done the form on the race,” Schwieda said.

“He won his trial okay, but I don’t think the opposition was that strong and the time was only fair.

“In saying that it doesn’t look to be an overly strong race, and it’s his first start so you’re never sure what they’re going to do on race day.”

With his dam not winning below 2100m throughout her career, Schweida expects Effort to get better as she rises in distance.

“Her mother was related to Makybe Diva and she’s bred to get over a bit further,” he said.

Effort has drawn barrier three in the field of eight, after being scratched from Doomben on Tuesday after drawing wide.

The seven-race card commences at 1.59pm.

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