Whether they are inexperienced gallopers still learning their craft, or seasoned professionals preparing for another full-racing campaign, trials and jump-outs around Australia can give great insight into what may be in store for a horse that is soon to be seen at the races.
With another round completed in the past week, we have learned a little more about what is in store for the following OTI gallopers.
TOPHET
With one win and two placings from five starts, this progressive 3-year-old gelded son of Hellbent showed himself to be in excellent form as he prepares for a return to racing for Anthony & Sam Freedman.
Tophet looked to have taken another step in his physical development as he dominated his trial at Cranbourne on Monday, April 14. He sat up on the speed before running away from his opposition under some urging, with the effort expected to top him off now for a return to racing within the next 7-10 days.
Tophet wins his Cranbourne trial (OTI silks).
KNOBELAS
Not yet seen at the races, this NZ-bred 3-year-old daughter of Belardo finished impressively into 3rd position at Cranbourne on Monday morning. Settling worse than midfield with cover, hers was an eye-catching effort given she was under no pressure from her rider and worked extremely well under her own steam to the line. Watch her trial here.
Knobelas pleased both her trainer and jockey, with Thomas Stockdale commenting that she “lengthened very nicely and had gears up his sleeve if he’d wanted to use them”. She also plans to head to the races within the next fortnight and we look forward to seeing her in action.
KINGSFORD
Another NZ-bred not yet seen on Australian shores is the Matt Williams-trained Kingsford, the highlight of our morning at the Terang trials on Monday. Slowly into stride and sticking hard against the fence in what was inferior ground, given the race meeting held there the day prior, Kingsford went to the line strongly to win the trial most encouragingly. Watch the full trial here.
A similar effort back at Terang in nine days should see Kingsford head to the Warrnambool Carnival for a 1400m Maiden at the Wednesday meeting. We have been successful in this race twice in recent years with Matt Williams, with horses Harbour Views and Toregene.
Racing.com interview with Matthew Williams about Kingsford.
LEPRACANTO
The OTI colours were also in action at the Avoca trials on Monday, with the unraced Lepracanto (by Per Incanto) continuing her education with a nice piece of work, finishing 3rd in her trial. Watch it here.
Group 1 winning jockey Harry Coffey reported post-trial that she was ready to go to the races and would be best suited by 1300-1400m at this career stage. A suitable 1200m race at Ballarat on April 27 may be where we see her for the first time at the races.
POP’S PIPE
The quirkily named Pop’s Pipe headed to Pakenham on Tuesday morning for a piece of work that was most impressive to the eye, winning his trial in good style. Crossing from an outside gate, Pop’s Pipe extended nicely when asked for his effort and widened the gap to his competitors, with a 3-length plus margin on the line.
With three jump outs/trials now under his belt at home to prepare, he is ready to start his full-racing campaign, with a maiden at Moe on Anzac Day a live option.
Pop’s Pipe wins trial at Pakenham (Aqua silks, leading).
HIGHLAND BLING
Also set for an Anzac Day outing is the Irish import Highland Bling, a winner of his 1000m trial at Pakenham on Tuesday morning for Phillip Stokes. Watch his trial here.
Twice a winner in Ireland for Jessie Harrington, Highland Bling continues to acclimatise to Australian conditions. His planned race, an 1800m event at Flemington that may see him clash with the impressive No Fuss, is a starting point for his Australian racing career. A break is expected to follow this one run.
