A long awaited return for two of our feature spring horses is not far away, with Hezashocka and Toregene contesting trials at Penshurst on Monday and pleasing all involved.
Hezashocka’s trial over 1400m was his second such experience this preparation, winning by a large margin and providing trainers and owners with confidence that he is in for an excellent campaign.
“He feels even better than last time and travelled well throughout. He stretched out super and was strong to the line. He appreciates the give in the ground and is in great order.”, said jockey Dean Yendall after the trial.
Matthew Williams, representing the Price Kent Racing operation, added: “He’s in really good order, sound, fresh and his coat is coming through very nicely too. He will have another gallop next week and do some work on the treadmill and then goes first up into the Listed Heatherlie Stakes on September 2.”
The 6yo son of Shocking certainly made a name for himself in last year’s spring, where he finished third in the G1 Champion Stakes at Flemington behind Zaaki and M’ounga and beating home both I’m Thunderstruck and Anamoe. Close up without winning in quality events across the autumn, we are confident Hezashocka can again make his presence felt this spring.
Trialling over 1000m with Dean Yendall on board was Toregene, a winner on Oaks Day last spring in the Country Series Final and subsequently placed twice in Group 3 company.
“We were planning on giving her a quiet trial, but she was quite keen to get on with it. We finished second under a hold and she’s going really well.”, says Yendall after the trial.
“It was a perfect first trial for her at Penshurt and she will have another one next Friday at Colac and then we’re off to the races. She’s very sound and clean in the wind, her coat still has some improvement to come, but we’re on the right track with her.” reports Matt Williams to owners.
Toregene will start her campaign in the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes at Flemington on September 16 over 1400m with black-type mares races as her target for the spring.
We’re excited to see both horses return to the races and are hopeful to see some very competitive performances over the next few months.