Three exciting OTI spring prospects stepped out at the Warwick Farm trials this morning as they continue preparations for their upcoming campaigns.
King Pedro needs little introduction after emerging as one of our most exciting staying prospects last preparation. The talented gelding signed off his campaign with two superb performances, claiming back-to-back victories in the Stayers Cup and Listed Grafton Cup. He returned to the trials this morning for an easy hit-out ahead of his first-up assignment in the Group 2 Kingston Town Stakes at Royal Randwick on September 19, before a tilt at the Group 2 The Metropolitan. Beyond that, bigger ambitions could be on the horizon, with King Pedro now nominated for both the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup.
King Pedro ~ Warwick Farm Trial
Also set to take his place first-up in the Kingston Town Stakes is our quality older stayer Athabascan. Now an eight-year-old, he has returned this preparation in terrific order and with a real bounce in his step in his most recent trials. He will tackle a slightly easier spring program this year, with the aim of finding the right races to give him every opportunity to secure a well-deserved return to the winner’s circle.
Perfumist (1st) and Athabascan (4th) ~ Warwick Farm Trial
Perfumist had her second trial of the preparation this morning and certainly showed she is ready to get back to the races. Fresh and sharp, the talented Group-performed mare cruised to a four-and-a-half-length win in her heat and looks to have returned a more mature horse this preparation. She is likely to kick off her spring campaign in the Group 3 Tibbie Stakes at Newcastle in two weeks’ time as she builds towards her major target, The Big Dance at Randwick in November.