A host of leading spring contenders were put through their paces at Warwick Farm on Tuesday morning, with Group 1 winners and several of the country’s most exciting young horses taking another step towards their upcoming campaigns.
The opening course proper trial belonged to Gringotts, who produced an impressive return for the Ciaron Maher stable over 1000 metres.
The seven year old travelled strongly before extending clear to defeat Beiwacht by more than three lengths in 58.72 seconds. Campione D’Italia finished third, ahead of Light Infantry Man, Piggyback and Buckaroo.
Gringotts looked sharp throughout the hitout and appears to be building towards another major spring campaign, with a potential third Big Dance victory among the options available to the proven big race performer.
One notable absentee was Aeliana, who was withdrawn after taking skin off the back of her leg behind the barriers. The Chris Waller trained mare will instead complete her next piece of serious work at a later date.
The second Group trial produced another Maher victory, with Warnie narrowly defeating Marhoona over 900 metres.
Warnie stopped the clock at 53.95 seconds, with less than a length separating the first three runners. Knobelas finished third for Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr, while Tempted was kept under a strong hold when finishing fourth.
Tempted was never asked for a serious effort and appeared to have plenty in reserve as she worked through the line. Another Wil followed her home in fifth, while Travolta and Birdman were allowed to settle at the rear.
The most anticipated trial of the morning featured Golden Slipper winner Guest House, who finished fourth behind the unbeaten Tornado Valley over 900 metres.
Tornado Valley led throughout and responded strongly when challenged, holding off the fast finishing Jimmysstar by less than half a length. Attica produced an encouraging effort in third, with Guest House finishing one length from the winner.
Guest House was kept well within himself by Zac Lloyd and was not pressured during the early stages. He began to improve when Jimmysstar moved alongside him and continued to work through his gears over the concluding stages.
The valuable Home Affairs colt is expected to have another trial on the Randwick course proper before beginning his campaign in the San Domenico Stakes on August 29.
The Run To The Rose and Golden Rose are set to follow, with his first three starts of the preparation scheduled at Rosehill.
The Price and Kent Jr stable was pleased with the performance, particularly given the steady tempo during the opening stages before the field quickened late.
Guest House remains on a path towards the $1 million Golden Rose over 1400 metres at Rosehill on September 26, while a possible Everest appearance has not been completely ruled out.
He is currently the $4.50 Golden Rose favourite ahead of emerging Chris Waller trained colt St Gotthard at $6.
The morning also provided an encouraging return from Jimmysstar, who made strong late ground behind Tornado Valley. The Everest bound sprinter was not fully extended and appears to have returned in excellent order.
With Gringotts, Tempted, Guest House and Jimmysstar all producing positive performances, Tuesday’s Warwick Farm session offered an early glimpse of several horses expected to play major roles during the spring.
By Scott Bailey – iRACE
