‘Bargain basement’ purchase Impulse Buy will double her current earnings if successful in tonight’s $40,000 to-the-winner Group 2 Bogie Leigh Futurity final (520m) at Albion Park.
Impulse Buy has been a ‘priceless’ acquisition for former jockey Emily Azzopardi, 23, and her G1-winning partner Matt Lanigan, 29.
The Aug ’19 Orson Allen x Paua To Excite speedster was bought on ‘impulse’, predominantly with breeding in mind, for $5000.
Impulse Buy has now raced on 25 occasions for eight wins, eight seconds and two thirds with $40,195 in prizemoney. And she’s giving Azzopardi, who only took out a trainer’s licence around six months ago, a ‘peachy ride’.
Initially, Impulse Buy was sent to WA to good friends of Lanigan’s, Richard and Sarah Appleton. But after she made the G2 WA Oaks final, a decision was made for a return to Victoria.
Impulse Buy, also owned by Azzopardi’s mother Tracey and her partner Charlie Cauchi, will fly the Victorian flag in the Futurity.
Last week, Impulse Buy finished third (beaten 3.25L) in a heat to talented local Tungsten Miss (29.97sec) which is now $2.90 favourite for the final. Impulse Buy is quoted at $5.50.
She had won five in a row before finishing sixth in a G2 Laurels heat followed by her Futurity heat placing.
Impulse Buy was sent to astute Qld trainer Greg Stella, a close friend of the Lanigan family, a day prior to the heats.
“Greg has been sensational,” Lanigan said. “She’s settled in and has got over the travel.
“We’re over the moon she’s made the final… She’s been a beauty!”
Lanigan added that Azzopardi and her dad, Mars, are flying up to watch the final.
“It’ll be very exciting for them.”
Impulse Buy drew box six in her heat and Lanigan says “she’ll not only benefit from the look at the track, but box three is a big advantage for her”.
“Her first section is always her best when she draws closer to the rail. But she needs to make up a few lengths to win and we’re hoping she can.”
Impulse Buy is a litter sister of the Lanigan-trained On The Bit, a winner of nine from 14, which is owned by Melbourne Cup winning jockey Jye McNeil and fellow ‘hoop’ Harry Coffey. (On The Bit is engaged at Warrnambool tonight – Race 8, Box 1 – 8.01pm.)
The G2 Bogie Leigh Futurity final is Race 6 at 9.07pm.
Pawnote: Last night, Emily Azzopardi qualified Slingshot Jonesy for the $100,000 to-the-winner G1 Silver Chief final on New Year’s Day after he took out a heat in 29.94sec.
Impulse Buy (1) staves off her rivals, clocking a 29.67sec win at Sandown Park on November 28.
