The Bryce Heys-trained Spieth looks on track to clinch a well-deserved Group I springtime victory after turning in a sharp barrier trial win at Warwick Farm on Monday.
Spieth put in an impressive trial this morning at Warwick Farm, letting down nicely while Egg Tart look solid going through the motions. pic.twitter.com/jJIpFrkJ7h
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 13, 2017
The five-year-old entire by Thorn Park cruised around a smoky Warwick Farm for Corey Brown, scoring by a neck in the 800m heat and clocking a time of 47 seconds flat on the good (4) surface.
"Corey told me the horse travelled beautifully without being aggressive so it was a good morning out," Heys said.
"I wanted to use this morning as a conditioning exercise to have him cherry ripe first-up."
Heys has the Group III Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Randwick on September 2 earmarked for Spieth's spring return.
But the entire is also equal fifth in line of betting ($15) with Sportsbet for the inaugural $10m The Everest (1200m), scheduled for Randwick on October 14.
"I haven't had any formal discussions with any slot holders regarding The Everest," Heys said.
"We'll worry about that after his first-up run. But we would love to be involved if his performance warrants it."
Spieth was twice denied Group I success last season, most notably down the straight at Flemington when nosed out behind Malaguerra in the Darley Classic (1200m) after being badly blocked for a run.
A nose miss behind Terravista in the Group I Lightning (1000m) at Flemington in the autumn just as heartbreaking for Heys and connections.
The challenge for Heys now is to get Spieth back to that elite level and clinch that elusive Group I win.
"He's still a stallion but has only had 12 starts," Heys said. "It's now a case of keeping him mentally stimulated.
"From what I saw this morning he's a happy horse and in the right frame of mind."
