Royal Symphony pleases in racecourse gallop

Darryl Sherer - Sunday September 3

Unbeaten colt Royal Symphony pleased trainer Tony McEvoy with a gallop at Caulfield on Saturday and could repeat the scenario next week.

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Royal Symphony and Illumicon (inside) galloping at Caulfield. Photo: Darryl Sherer

Royal Symphony was ridden by Dwayne Dunn and paired with Illumicon, ridden by Luke Currie, the pair cantering off from the 1200m before quickening into the home straight and working home strongly the last 400m.

McEvoy said he was satisfied with the way both colts worked.

"Royal Symphony did his typical thing that he does in his races and on the point of the turn he looked off the bit and I thought for a moment he might not pick the other horse up, but all of a sudden he clicked into gear, was there with him and went on to win the gallop," McEvoy said.

"He's had a healthy blow afterwards and a fortnight out from his first-up race, I think we are where we need to be but I'll possibly take him to Moonee Valley to do the same again next Saturday."

McEvoy has the Exford Plate over 1400m at Flemington on September 16 as the first-up race for Royal Symphony and is pleased with the way the son of Domesday was progressing.

"He arrived here at Caulfield and was very composed so I was really pleased and I think he's grown up a little bit in the head," McEvoy said.

"He's a colt and thinks he's the best horse in the stable so a trip away from home helps get some of the exuberance under control - we want him concentrating that in his races."

McEvoy said he is likely to run last start Bendigo winner Illumicon next Saturday at Moonee Valley.

"He was very impressive in a good maiden the other day and he goes to Moonee Valley next Saturday for a 1500m three-year-old race and I'm still thinking the Caulfield Guineas with him," McEvoy said.

"He's a nice horse - a good galloper and I've got a lot of time for him."

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