A quiet period at Rick Worthington's stable is likely coming to an end with the Warwick Farm stable set to welcome back some promising types over the next fortnight.
Photo by Racing and Sports
Worthington describes the past couple of seasons as a rebuilding phase evidenced by a noticeable drop in the runners he has saddled up during that time.
Signs are encouraging for Worthington at present though with some of his better performed gallopers set to begin autumn preparations over the next fortnight.
Comeback galloper Whitefriars will have his first run of 2013 in Friday's Listed Canterbury Classic (1100m).
The seven-year-old ran eighth on resuming after nearly two years off the scene in the Razor Sharp Handicap (1200m) and has since been kept ticking over with a Warwick Farm trial win.
“On face value he was disappointing first up but he has had two years off and a lot of problems,” Worthington said.
“They walked the first 600m and the way the race panned out it was a mathematical impossibility for him to close at the end.
“The important thing to come out of it was that he gave Jim [Cassidy] a great feel.
“No matter what Whitefriars does on Friday, it is part of a process of mentally and physically seasoning and toughening him up for races from March onwards.”
While his first up outing was underwhelming, confidence levels amongst connections appear to be high based on the races they have in mind for the Arena gelding during the autumn.
“Races like the Challenge, The Galaxy, the TJ Smith and the All Aged Stakes; those races are the type of races that would be nice for Whitefriars,” Worthington told Sky Sports Radio.
The boom on unbeaten filly Golden Sunshine continued to grow after she also won a trial at Warwick Farm last week.
“She is a filly that will hopefully win a nice race one day and we will push on that way,” Worthington said.
“Golden Sunshine should run next Wednesday at Gosford over 1000m.
“She is still a bit soft but it is a good starting point for her. I am definitely expecting to see her go to another level this preparation.”
Exotic Escape was building herself a handy record last campaign and Worthington will let the mare continue to work through the grades.
“Exotic Escape did a great job last prep, four in a row,” Worthington said.
“She is a filly with a bit of upside, there is more to come.
“We've been very patient with her because she is such a big filly, she is 570kg.
“She may end up running at Canberra on Friday. She is very close to being horse of the year at Canberra but she needs one more win.”
As part of the rebuilding phase, Worthington was also busy at the Inglis Classic Sale.
Worthington was one of the leading buyers during the sale, purchasing four lots for $285,000 combined.
The four acquisitions were colts by Mossman, Not A Single Doubt, Lucky Owners and Street Sense.
