Juvenile Trial Watch – Randwick

Half a dozen two year-old trials at Randwick on Tuesday morning held some serious interest with the appearance of two intriguing colts by Redoute’s Choice, one is favourite for the Group I BRC JJ Atkins Stakes next month and the other topped the 2017 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

Prepared by Chris Waller, The Autumn Sun was super impressive when winning on debut at Randwick on ANZAC Day and was kept up to the mark with this 1050 metre trial.

He didn’t win, but cruised to the line in third place, finishing well on the bit for Kerrin McEvoy in a performance that will have him ready to find top gear when he goes back to the races.

The Turangga Farm homebred Not a Single Doubt filly Knockout Girl won the heat narrowly after leading throughout, but it was the effort of runner-up Sir Owen that was also an eye-catcher.

Trained by Peter and Paul Snowden, Fastnet Rock colt Sir Owen was retained to race by his breeder Sir Owen Glenn and is from his star producer Mica’s Pride, who las left nine foals to race all winners with this colt looming as number 10.

Sir Owen is a sibling to $7million earner Criterion, Group II winner and $1.2 million earner Comin’ Through (also by Fastnet Rock), Group II winner Varenna Miss and stakes-winner Silently.

It was the third trial for Sir Owen, who is improving with every outing.

Of the five juvenile heats run over 735 metres the fastest winner was Redoute’s Choice colt Melik, who topped the 2017 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale for Arrowfield Stud when he fetched $2.5 million to the bid of Tim Stakemire.

Trained by Peter and Paul Snowden for Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum and Arrowfield Stud, Melik did everything right in his second trial with James Macdonald on board.

The most expensive yearling sold anywhere in Australasia in 2017, he jumped smartly to go forward and contest the lead albeit sitting out wide and forged clear down the running to dash away and win by more than four lengths in 42.98 seconds.

A full brother to Group III winner and Blue Diamond runner-up Pariah from Hussonet (USA) mare Secluded, Melik looked the goods in this outing as he should, given he is also a three-quarter brother-in-blood to dual Group I winner Melito.

Pariah has been retired to Arrowfield Stud this spring and is standing at a fee of $22,000.

Click here for all the Randwick trial results.