Winx may have attracted all the attention at the Randwick barrier trials on Monday but there were a few others that I will be keeping an eye on when they are presented at the races.
There were 16 trials conducted at headquarters, Winx getting to use the course proper in the opening heat whilst the remainder were held on the steeple grass.
The going was rated a good (4).
JEMADAR – Heat 4 (open trial, 1050m)
Formerly with John O'Shea at Godolphin this Sepoy three-year-old gelding is now with David Pfieffer. Had his second trial this time in and looked to travel-up strongly when finishing third behind proven Group gallopers Ecuador and Sweet Redemption. Brenton Avdulla tracked the Waterhouse and Bott-trained pair from the outset and was never seriously asked for an effort. Eligible for a Class 2 race and carries a Benchmark rating of 70 so there are a stack of options for Pfieffer, who generally places his horses well.
CLICK HERE to watch the trial - courtesy of Racing NSW.
I'M A LEGEND – Heat 5 (2YO open trial, 1050m)
Les Bridge is a wily trainer and I wouldn't be surprised if I'm A Legend is getting set for a debut win. The son of Nicconi has had two trials this time in and hit the line full of steam when runner-up behind Godolphin's Catesby. Ridden by Tim Clark, I'm A Legend settled fifth one off the fence before slicing through the pack late under minimal pressure. Catesby has already been placed in town whilst the third-placed Cuba ran sixth in the Black Opal. I'm A Legend is yet to be produced at the races but I expect I'll be having something on when he does.
CLICK HERE to watch the trial - courtesy of Racing NSW.
SPECTROSCOPE – Heat 9 (open trial, 735m)
James Cummings would have been licking his lips at the prospect of getting his hands on Spectroscope and from what I saw at the trial – the pair are certainly hitting it off. The former European galloper burst onto the Australian scene winning his first start at Rosehill before taking out the Doncaster Prelude at his next outing. Sent out a $7.50 chance in the Group I Doncaster, Spectroscope finished 10th and was tipped out after finishing a close-up sixth in the Hawkesbury Cup. Ridden by Corey Brown, the flashy black four-year-old travelled back in the field before improving quickly into the straight. Eased across heels at the 150m mark, Spectroscope ambled past the leaders to win untouched. It was impressive. He's a lightly raced stakes winner so could be produced in anything. Keep your eyes peeled.
CLICK HERE to watch the trial - courtesy of Racing NSW.
