Each spring, the first official two-year-old trials offer an early glimpse at the newest generation of racehorses beginning their careers.
Sydney’s first official two-year-old trials of the season were held at Randwick on Monday, with a host of juveniles stepping out for their first public appearances. As well as providing an important piece of early education, the trials are traditionally a first pointer towards the opening two-year-old races of the season – the Group 3 Breeders’ Plate and Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes, both run over 1000 metres at Randwick on October 3.
Among the notable stories to emerge from the Sydney trials was the early success of first-season sire Anamoe. The nine-time Group 1 winner had his first two juveniles trial and both win their respective heats, providing an encouraging start for his highly anticipated first crop.
Victoria’s early two-year-olds had their turn at Flemington on Thursday. These trials provide an important lead-in to the Listed Maribyrnong Trial Stakes, the first two-year-old race of the year in Victoria, which will be run over 1000 metres at Flemington, mirroring Randwick’s races on October 3.
OTI does not typically target these very early two-year-old races, however, it was pleasing to have one of our own among this year’s early juveniles, with our Anamoe colt Ankaa stepping out for Tony and Calvin McEvoy.
Ankaa – 1st in Flemington 2yo trial
Ankaa was purchased in conjunction with the McEvoy’s at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale earlier this year. While OTI is not typically a heavy participant at the yearling sales, after spending the week inspecting on the Gold Coast, Ankaa was a colt we felt compelled to be involved in.
He stood out to us on a number of levels, not least as a member of the highly anticipated first crop of Anamoe. The Australian Horse of the Year retired to stud as one of the most exciting young stallion prospects in the country, and there has naturally been considerable interest surrounding his first progeny as they begin to emerge.
The early signs have been encouraging. Following Anamoe’s two trial winners at Sydney’s opening juvenile session last week, Ankaa continued the strong start for his sire when winning his heat down the Flemington straight.
While somewhat boisterous beforehand, he settled into his work and ultimately executed his trial well. More importantly, it proved a valuable day of education and experience for the young colt. These early trials provide two-year-olds with exposure to many of the elements they will encounter on raceday. They can also tell trainers plenty about how each horse is coping both physically and mentally with the next stage of their education.
Jockey Harry Coffey was pleased with what he felt underneath him, reporting after the trial: “Once he got to the heels of the horse we were chasing, he really rounded the trial off nicely. He’s got a beautiful long stride. He’s doing everything easily at the moment.”
We will wait and see how Ankaa pulls up before deciding what the next step holds for our colt but should he come through the trial well, the Maribyrnong Trial Stakes could well be on his agenda.