Trial Watch – Warwick Farm, October 24

Horses to follow from the Warwick Farm barrier trials on Tuesday, October 24.

Handfast (Trial 1): The talented gelding is getting close to a return to the races after racing at stakes level during the Brisbane winter where his best result was a fourth in the G3 BRC Sprint. Stepping out for his second trial of this preparation, he settled midfield in the 1200m heat before working home under a tight hold for second to Irish Lord. With the carnival horses now out of the picture, Handfast could find some races to suit during the off-season.

Tactical Advantage (Trial 3): The Joe Pride gelding has put together a 50 per cent winning strike rate along with a couple of stakes placings and could be ready to go the next level as a four year-old. Stepping out for his second trial this campaign, Tactical Advantage settled well back in the open heat over 801m before easing wide in the straight. He was never given full reign but worked to the line strongly for third to Marsupial. The hitout will have him ready to go to the races and he looks to have plenty more up his sleeve.

I Am Excited (Trial 4): The lightly raced filly has been taking on stakes races this spring, highlighted by a third in the G2 Furious Stakes, before finding the going tougher in the longer fillies’ features. She could easily find some races to suit however in the coming weeks with the black type focus now down south after impressing with a win in her 801m heat. Racing wide throughout, she slid forward on the home turn and quickly reeled in the leaders, dashing clear under no pressure to win by 2.3 lengths in 47.6 seconds on a slow 7. She was a class above her rivals and may well be again when she steps out next.