As spring nears, the stars are starting to step out at the trials in readiness for race returns, and OTI’s colours were prominent this week at both the Cranbourne and Randwick editions. A summary of those that caught the eye follows.
CINTURATO
It’s a little early to be calling the unraced Cinturato a star, but he certainly trialled like one at Cranbourne on Monday for Mark Walker and the Te Akau Racing team. This son of Shamus Award, a 2024 Inglis Ready to Run graduate, dominated his opponents and is scheduled to make his race debut at Sale on Sunday August 17.
Owners involved dare to dream with an initial target being the 1600m G1 Caulfield Guineas.
AZAZEL
Cinturato’s stablemate Azazel put forward a promising performance as he prepares for a race debut. The three-year-old son of Shocking, bought in partnership with Mark Walker at the Karaka R2R, appeared to have more than his fair share of ability when finishing a comfortable 3rd at his first public outing.
Seen as a potential Derby horse for the autumn, Azazel may well surprise us by featuring at some level across the spring.
GOLDEN CENTURY
Attention turned to Randwick on Thursday, and Trial 1 was a beauty. Sandwiched between Melbourne Cup favourite Vauban and last year’s Cox Plate winner Via Sistina was Golden Century, now trained by Chris Waller. Surprisingly still a maiden, our G1 NZ Derby placegetter looked at home in the elite company in Thursday’s trial.
With lofty spring targets, including a Caulfield Cup nomination made on Tuesday, we’d be surprised if he remained a maiden for long.
WYMARK
While only beating one home in his trial at Randwick, Wymark certainly caught the eye with how he finished his work under a strong hold. A Group 2 winner as an autumn three-year-old for Michael Freedman, Wymark had a quiet four-year-old season; however, he looks ready to return to his best now at five.
Freedman will slowly bring Wymark along this preparation, to return to the winner’s stall at Benchmark level first, before upping the ante with him should all progress well.