Toga Picta ready for Stutt Stakes test

Darryl Sherer - Monday September 25

Toga Picta had his first look at Moonee Valley on Monday ahead of him racing in Friday night's Group II Stutt Stakes (1600m) and passed his first test comfortably.

Advertisement
Toga Picta (outside) galloping with Etymology on Monday. Photo: Darryl Sherer

The James Cummings-trained three-year-old was paired with the older Etymology over 1200m, speeding up to run the last 400m in 24.05 seconds and please Godolphin's Melbourne assistant trainer David Charles.

"I was very happy with his work this morning," Charles said.

"His form is solid for a race like the Stutt Stakes and his performance on Friday will give us a good indication of where we head with him."

Toga Picta only weakened late on when finishing 12th behind Royal Symphony last time out in the Exford Plate at Flemington over 1400m and featured in the stewards report having to be eased to avoid interference in the home straight

The son of Group I winners Lonhro and Purple will be fitted with winkers for the first time on Friday to sharpen his focus and Charles is anticipating an improved performance.

"Colts like him have to perform at this level if they are going to progress on to better races," Charles said.

"We'd be hoping he can how he's good enough for a race like the Caulfield Guineas but we'll find out Friday - he should run super I think."

Advertisment
More Reading...
Pedigree Potential –NZB Ready to Run – Nicks that Click
A quality packed catalogue for the 2025 NZB Ready to Run Sale is now online and in the lead up to the sale we’ll go looking each week for some horses of interest that jump out on pedigree for various reasons.
Sires With Winners - Monday September 29
Here is the full list of 22 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Satono’s Stunning Stats Continue as Rich Hill Sires Shine
Rich Hill Stud’s Group 1 stallion roster was the dominant force at Te Rapa’s premier meeting with their progeny claiming a feature race double.
She's Unusual Keeps Good Times Rolling
Continued success with resident stallion Unusual Suspect and their racing team has kept Nigel and Adaire Auret busier than they may have envisaged, but without any complaints.
Kiwi Stayer Chasing Melbourne Cup Golden Ticket
Wolfgang, who races as Mister Wolfgang in Australia, will get his first opportunity to earn a golden ticket into the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) when he heads to Flemington on Saturday.
Equimillion This Long Weekend – Draws and Start Lists
Racing NSW have their annual Equimillion event coming up this long weekend at Sydney International Equestrian Centre at Horsley Park and for people interested in off the trackers it’s a showcase for the sport, so let’s take a look at who’s who in the zoo.
Magic Carpet Writes New Chapter for Family
Jenna McLeod got a massive thrill when watching the latest generation of her family’s breed score at stakes level at Te Rapa on Saturday.
Tara Talks Racing - Insights from a Legend - Darren Beadman
Beiwacht upstaged his more fancied rivals to win the $1million Group I ATC Golden Rose last Saturday in course record breaking style to become the hottest colt in Australia giving us the opportunity to chat to a legend that has been very much involved in his story so far.
Resolute Racing Purchase Top Lot Goffs Orby Day 1
The Goffs Orby Yearling Sale kicked off overnight and the top lot on Day 1 was a colt by Blue Point purchased by John Stewart’s Resolute Bloodstock for €675,000, while Wootton Bassett produced the top selling filly, whose half-brother Trinity College is now in Australia.
Jenni The Pride of Trelawney
Comeback mare Pride Of Jenni has given Trelawney Stud a number of reasons to look forward to the spring after a dashing victory in the Gr.2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) on Friday night.