A world-wide weekend of racing with runners in Victoria and New South Wales in Australia, as well as France and America, we hope to see some positive results both locally and abroad!
At The Valley we have a robust trio of runners with Inverloch beginning the day in Race 3, contesting a quality field in the 2040m Open Handicap. A horse that took a little time to come to the fore after his arrival in Australia, he has turned a corner this preparation taking out two successive wins under Linda Meech. She partners Inverloch again this start for Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young and we hope to see them replicate their Valley win from two starts ago.
Below: Inverloch and Linda Meech cruise to victory.
Fastnet Tempest resumes in the Listed Bendigo Bank Stakes on Saturday at The Valley for the Lindsay Park training team. In career-best form last campaign, reports from the stable are that he is going better than ever. Another of our spring contenders who is having his first start this preparation, his wide draw may not play into his favour, however he will come on well from the run.
Another runner with a wide draw, Gallic Chieftain is also set to resume this weekend, taking on a very strong field in the 1600m Group 2 Feehan Stakes. A race that doesn’t quite suit in distance, we have confidence that he will develop from this run and moving into the remainder of his spring preparation for Archie Alexander.
We are thrilled to have Le Juge back at the races this weekend, he will be one of a number of Chris Waller-trained runners in the 1400m Group 2 Tramway Stakes at Randwick. Our most ‘winningest’ horse for the 2018/19 season, Le Juge will most likely require the run this weekend, however, after a couple of positive trials we wouldn’t be surprised to see him finishing strongly.
Below: Le Juge on fire taking out another win for jockey Robbie Fradd in Queensland.
Also contesting the Tramway is Le Juge’s stablemate Mantastic who will be stepping out for the first time this preparation. This race will simply serve as a starting point for Mantastic this campaign as his recent trials indicated he may be looking for further. Chris Waller is pleased with the horse’s progress and believes he should be strong to the line.
To America on Saturday, our Irish-bred, French-trained San Huberto will race in the inaugural 2400m Jockey Club Derby at Belmont Park in New York. As an invitational race that concludes the Turf Trinity, San Huberto’s two impressive Listed wins in France gave him a shot at the US $1 million purse. These victories indicate his impressive talent, the only question mark remains is how he will handle the racing conditions in the United States.
Below: San Huberto’s last to first Listed win in France.
In France on Sunday, Haky will be contesting the 3100m Group 3 Prix Gladiateur at Longchamp in France. Looking to build his handicap to ensure his cups campaign in Australia, the run will be necessary leading into his southern hemisphere spring. The field is now reduced to six runners and Haky looks to be a strong contender.
Best of luck to each of their connections this weekend as we jump headlong into spring!
