Mahler Mare In Command On Hurdle Debut

Blue Baloo (5m Mahler - Dancing Baloo, by Broken Hearted) stayed on well to make a winning hurdle debut at Newcastle on Thursday.

The Sandy Thomson-trained mare won a bumper over the Christmas period and followed up with a fine fourth in a Class 2 bumper in March. Absent since then, she stepped up to two and a half miles on return and raced close to the pace throughout under Ryan Mania. She was travelling strongly when cruising into the lead on the turn for home and was pushed along from three out. Staying on well all the while, she led by three lengths on the line.

The promising daughter of Mahler was bred by Stephanie Hanly out of a half-sister to Oscar Whisky (Oscar). Her full-brother sold to Monbeg Stables for €62,000 earlier this year.