While we have plenty of action on the racetracks, we are also seeing some exciting horses getting ready for their next (or first!) racing campaign.
Recent import Montecristo has had two trials under his new trainer Matthew Williams. After two winning trials in New Zealand, he has been more than pleasing since arriving in Australia in October. After winning his most recent trial at Penshurst in good fashion, the 3yo son of Ocean Park could be off to the races as soon as Sunday on Jericho Cup Day in Warrnambool.
“He jumped well with Dean Yendall riding. It was quite heavy ground, but he got through it well enough and did everything right, and did it comfortably. We’ll check him out during the week to make sure he’s ready, but I’m happy with him and he is certainly heading in the right direction.” said trainer Matthew Williams after the second trial.
Montecristo has been nominated for a 1200m Maiden at his home track on Sunday, where he most likely will kick off his racing career.
Also delivering an impressive winning trial was Altruist, a 3yo son of Snitzel with Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr. The gelding has had four career starts but is yet to score a win, despite finished 4th at Listed level on debut. After his gelding procedure earlier this year, Altruist has returned in good order and has been pleasing the stable in his work.
“Very happy with how he’s come back since he was gelded. Beau Mertens rode him in his second trial and was happy with him. He’s still learning, but responded well when he was asked to extend and was strong to the line. Beau pushed him through when he had a look around so he will take some confidence out it. We’ll head for a 1200m Maiden with him now.” said co-trainer Michael Kent Jnr.
Altruist won both of his trials at Cranbourne in the lead up to his upcoming campaign and will most likely make his way to Yarra Valley on Saturday. Hopefully we can see his true talent shine through this time in.
We look forward to seeing both horses step out this week, and also keep an eye out for Cepheus and Lady Laguna, who trialled up well this morning in Sydney.
