Talented Turn Me Loose juvenile prospecting Classic Gold

Media Release - Tuesday July 19

Stephen Autridge looks to be in for an exciting season with rising three-year-old Alabama Gold after his win over 800m at the Cambridge trials on Tuesday.

Group Three winner Alabama Gold. Photo: Trish Dunell

The son of Turn Me Loose had a pleasing juvenile season, winning the Gr.3 Matamata Slipper (1200m) in February, and Autridge is hoping to add to his stakes tally this coming season.

Alabama Gold has made a pleasing return ahead of his three-year-old season and Autridge could not have been more pleased with his trial.

“I am absolutely rapt,” Autridge said. “He was just there for an outing and the number one thing was to teach him to race in behind.

“He jumped in front and eased in behind, relaxed nicely and came out and sprinted, which was really good.”

Alabama Gold’s first major test of the new season is set to be the Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) at Ruakaka on August 20 before he heads south to Hastings for more three-year-old features.

“He has got to go to Ruakaka now for his next two starts, but he is a pretty genuine type of horse and handles it pretty well,” Autridge said.

“He will have one lead-up at Ruakaka into the Northland Breeders’ Stakes.

“He will then go to Hawke’s Bay for the Colin Meads (Listed, 1200m) and hopefully the Guineas (Gr.2, 1400m).”

Alabama Gold will be the flagbearer for Autridge’s new operation, having formerly been the private trainer for Valachi Downs’ Kevin and Jo Hickman, alongside Kris Shailer.

Advertisement

Autridge is transitioning to run his own stable once more after the recent sale of the Matamata property and dispersal of its stock.

“Last Saturday I shifted my horses to my new base, I have 20 acres just over the back at Matamata racecourse,” Autridge said.

“I have 14 boxes and will look to have 12 in work.

“They have spent the last couple of days at the new stable and from August 1 they will just be in my name.”

Alabama Gold has been joined by One Power, who won his 950m trial at Cambridge on Tuesday.

“He has always shown plenty. He pulled a muscle and had six months off. He has only had two starts for a second and a third,” Autridge said.

“He should be clearing maidens pretty shortly.”

Autridge said he will focus on quality over quantity with his barn.

“We are going to have a young team and we won’t be racing a lot but it will be very meaningful,” he said. – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
First foal Arrives for Mo’Unga
The Kelly family of Newhaven Park have taken an educated gamble on champion New Zealand sire Savabeel and have already struck paydirt with exciting young sire Cool Aza Beel siring Group I winning 2YO Cool Archie and now it’s time for Mo’Unga to make his mark.
2025 Cox Plate Entries – Who are the 3YO Cox Plate Dreamers?
108 entries have been received for the 2025 Group I MVRC Cox Plate (2040m) to be run on October 25 with a galaxy of stars that include 11 overseas contenders and a group of new season 3YO’s.
Snitzel’s Tyreek Too Good On Debut At Canterbury
Off the back of two unbeaten trial performances, it was no surprise to see the John O’Shea and Tom Charlton trained Tyreek (Snitzel) start well in the money on debut before the 3yo gelding was simply too good for his rivals, winning the TAB Handicap (1200m) on Wednesday at Canterbury.
Elite Broodmare Band Booked to Celestial Legend
Woodside Park Stud is proud to announce they are sending an outstanding group of broodmares to visit their exciting young sire Celestial Legend. 
Breednet Distance Sire Tables Highlight Some Home Truths
The end of season is a great time to look back and assess what has happened in terms of sire results and what may happen in the future and more importantly what all of that might mean for Australian racing.
First Foal for Golden Mile – Now a Gelding
The Group I MRC Caulfield Guineas has been won in recent years by colts that have gone on to become some of our most exciting young sires - The Autumn Sun, Super Seth and Ole Kirk, but for the 2022 winner Golden Mile that path is not an option.
G2 Winning Mare chasing G1 Success
Classy mare Val Di Zoldo will have the opportunity to test her talents at the highest level this term after resuming with a tidy trial at Taupo on Monday.
Sires With Winners - Monday August 4
Here is the full list of 26 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Zoustar's Breeders Cup Winner Starlust Arrives at Riverstone
Zoustar’s Breeders Cup winner Starlust has arrived at his new home, Riverstone Lodge in the Hunter Valley with the stud posting video of his arrival.
Zoustar 7YO on Comeback Trail
Joliestar is not the only good Zoustar carrying the colours of Cambridge Stud as Lance Noble has his eye on a major early season prize with one of the few older members of his stable.