Spring Trial Watch – Everest Hopefuls and Promising 3YO Colts

Tara Madgwick - Friday August 30

The first two heats at the Randwick trials on Friday featured some serious contenders for The Everest and later in the morning we saw some talented three year-olds looking to measure up to Group I class this spring.

Winner of the 2022 Everest as a three year-old, Giga Kick was having his second trial back following a lengthy spell and looked strong and keen to do the job, travelling hard on the bit all the way for James McDonald to win by three-quarters  of a length over Super Seth colt Linebacker, who was also on his second trial and has come back in great order.

Advertisement
 

Having missed virtually all of last season, the Clayton Douglas trained Giga Kick is a five year-old with very little mileage on the clock and could have a very productive season if he stays sound.

The second Group and Listed heat over 900m was won by the Kiwi Group I winning mare Belclare, who has now won both of her trials in Sydney since transferring to Bjorn Baker and ran slightly quicker time than the previous heat. From an Everest perspective plenty of interest in Sunshine Paris and Buenos Noches, who both hit the line well under a hold, while last start Group II Missile Stakes winner Schwarz was given a tick over trial.

Expensive Deep Field colt High Octane was third in the Listed ATC Rosebud Stakes two weeks ago when resuming, but was on a mission in this trial with winkers on and sent forward by Tommy Berry to be competitive and find the line. It will be interesting to see if the same tactics are employed on race day for the Peter Snowden trained colt.

Carrying the James Harron Bloodstock colours, Pierata colt Fearless showed good potential last season albeit always looking an unfurnished type that would benefit with time. Trained by Peter Snowden, he looked pretty sharp in his first trial back winning easily by nearly three lengths.

Another James Harron Bloodstock colt that carries plenty of expectation is Zoustar’s son Espionage, whose ownership now includes Coolmore and partners. He won the Group III ATC Breeders Plate on debut last year and finished the season with a facile win in the Group III ATC Kindergarten Stakes after missing a start in the Golden Slipper.

This was his first trial back and only over 740m. Trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, he travelled deep all the way and was held together to finish second with Group I winner Mazu in third place.

Click here for all the trial results with Sale Mail at Breednet and at Racing NSW with video.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Spring Trial Watch – Hawkesbury
There was an interesting set of trials at Hawkesbury on Monday that featured heat winners including Golden Slipper winner Marhoona, Randwick Guineas winner Linebacker as well as the Waterhouse Bott stable Cups contenders Sir Delius (GB) and Vauban (FR), plus we may have seen an Everest horse.
Finding the Perfect Match for Your Mare
Now that the first foals of the season have hit the ground at farms across the country, breeders are finalising stallion bookings and searching for the perfect match for their mares.
Black Type Potential for Zoustar Colt
Tony and Calvin McEvoy have  plans to tackle Black Type races with promising Zoustar colt Prestar, who scored his second win from just five starts at Randwick on Wednesday.
First Southern Hemisphere foals for Paddington
A four-time Group I winner by champion French sire Siyouni, European superstar, PADDINGTON, has had his first Southern Hemisphere foals arrive on the ground at Windsor Park.
Sires With Winners - Monday August 25
Here is the full list of 12 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Last to First – He’s Seriously Hot!
Sent to the paddock after just one placing from five starts at two that included three attempts in stakes company, Siriusly Hot returned a gelding at Randwick and it certainly made a difference!
Hello Youmzain Filly Chasing More Stakes Success
Hello Youmzain (Fr) filly Platinum Diamond will put her undefeated Heavy track record on the line when she heads to Wanganui on Saturday to contest the Listed HS Dyke Wanganui Guineas (1200m).
Too Darn Hot nomination realises $255,000 in August (Late) Sale
A nomination in exceptional young stallion Too Darn Hot has topped today’s Inglis Digital August (Late) Online Sale, selling for $255,000.
Was it that Unusual? Who is the Oldest?
There was a lot of attention in the media regarding the age of Australian Horse of the Year elect Via Sistina (IRE) when she returned to racing for a new campaign at Randwick last Saturday, but was it really that uncommon to see an eight year-old G1 winner?
Coolmore Stallion Parade – A to Z-Catch Up on What You Might Have Missed!
The annual Coolmore Australia stallion parade is one you just can’t miss and if you didn’t make it this year, do read on as you will feel like you were there after all!