A highly-rated galloper from New Zealand was one of the star performers at the Rosehill barrier trials on Tuesday morning.
There were 14 trials conducted, two on the course proper, and the remaining 12 on the inside grass. The track was riding in the soft (5) range.
UGO FOSCOLO – Heat 2 (course proper open trial, 1000m)
We've only seen this Kiwi in Australia once and it was rather forgettable as the gelding laboured in heavy (10) going before finishing a distant last in the Group I Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Randwick. Given his form back in New Zealand though, think you have to totally disregard that performance. And he looked sharp in his latest barrier trial, winning by a monstrous 8-3/4 lengths after leading at his own leisure. He has a beautiful low head carriage and if Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott can get him right then he will be a force to be reckoned with in the spring no doubt. He was a dominant winner of the Group I NZ 2000 Guineas last year, a race also won by the likes of Turn Me Loose, Sacred Falls, and Jimmy Choux in recent years.
CLICK HERE to watch the trial – courtesy of Racing NSW.
RED EXCITEMENT – Heat 5 (open trial, 900m)
Some will say we've seen this best of this gelding, seeing as he's just turned eight. And whilst that may be true to some extent, there was nothing discouraging about his trial here. Unseen since March, the Gerald Ryan-trained veteran travelled up outside the lead and was absolutely jogging to the line before finishing only 1-1/4 lengths from the winner. Trust Ryan to find the right race in the upcoming, and if the track is good, then this bloke should do the rest.
CLICK HERE to watch the trial – courtesy of Racing NSW.
FADING SHADES – Heat 9 (fillies & mares maiden trial, 900m)
A lot to like about this mare. Aside from her pedigree and $760,000 price tag, she looks a real prospect. She's obviously had some problems being an unraced four-year-old but there didn't look to be too many issues in this trial. It was her second hit-out for the preparation and she made up significant ground from the back to run second. She was a bit green towards the finish, changing stride, but looked impressive nonetheless. Sometimes when a horse has had a delayed start to its career it can be a blessing in disguise so keep an eye out for her.
CLICK HERE to watch the trial – courtesy of Racing NSW.
