Chris Scholtz reviews Sydney trials at Randwick on August 30.
RANDWICK August 30
16 Heats - Course Proper/A Grass
Course Proper (Good 4) – 2 x 900m (Group/Listed)
A Grass (Good 4) – 1 x 1200m (Open); 7 x 1045m (4 Open; 3 Maiden); 5 x 740m (2 Open; 3 Maiden)
Another impressive trial by GIGA KICK while a classy group of three-year-olds showed they are primed for hot spring campaigns.
There were two black type trials on the course proper over 900m with GIGA KICK winning the first heat (53.74; 33.52) and the former Kiwi mare BELCLARE producing another good trial win for Bjorn Baker in faster time in her heat (53.20; 33.10).
GIGA KICK showed he had come on from his first Sydney trial on August 19 and will be fitter again after LINEBACKER made him work to the line over the last 300m. CELESTIAL LEGEND was under pressure to finish fourth and seems to be lacking speed in these early trials. PRIVATE EYE returned with an easy trial to finish fifth.
BELCLARE led her heat and has been prepared to sprint well fresh. The big boy CAFÉ MILLENEIUM put in another strong trial to finish second while there was a lot to like about the easy third by SUNSHINE IN PARIS in her first trial since her setback last season. BUENOS NOCHES warmed up late for fourth while the race fit SCHWARZ led but dropped back over the last 200m to finish fifth.
Some of last season's notable youngsters showed excellent form in their heats on the A grass.
BASES LOADED (Waterhouse/Bott): He's had his issues but this classy 4YO is set for a bold return after running away with the fastest A grass heat over 1045m (61.30; 33.47) by more than six lengths. He took off at the 600m and kept running in his second trial sinmce he won a G3 over 1600m at Eagle Farm in June with similar tactics.
ESPIONAGE (Waterhouse/Bott): He won the Breeders Plate and Kindergartren Stakes last season and may well have been the best 2YO if he had started in the G1 races over the autumn. Loved his work to finish second to the fast sprinter WAY TO THE STARS in his 740m heat (43.23; 32.98), looming easily beside the winner over the last 200m before he was given an easy time to the line. Capable of some big wins.
FEARLESS (Peter Snowden): Classy Pierata colt always looked like he would be better as a 3YO and an impressive win in his 1045m heat (62.58; 33.79) in his first trial since his G1 placing in the Champagne Stakes augers well for his spring prospects. Tracked the pace before letting down with an impressive sprint to the line.
HIGH OCTANE (Peter Snowden): Showed the benefit of his first-up third in the Rosebud at Rosehill to power away with his 1045m heat by almost six lengths (62.84; 33.46). He was eager to run with Tommy Berry keeping him under a tight hold from start to finish.
INOUE (Peter Snowden): I have been waiting for this unraced Shalaa gelding to reappear since two impressive trials last season. Strong bodied 3YO with plenty of natural talent evident as he cruised through his 740m heat (43.57; 32.97) with ease, extending like a good horse under no pressure over the last 300m.
NOTED TRIALS
XX Bases Loaded; Espionage; Fearless; High Octane; Inoue
X Amelita; Belclare; Depth Of Character; Eton; Giga Kick; Hollywood Hero; Huetor; Portfolia; Remarque; Sunshine In Paris; Unflinching
