It was a most interesting morning at Cranbourne on Monday, with three OTI runners impressing as they progressed towards their respective race returns or, in the case of Humza Bey, an Australian race debut.
Trial 6 – Humza Bey finishes 3rd
Undefeated in two race starts in New Zealand before his relocation to the Mick Price / Michael Kent Jnr stable in September, Humza Bey was most impressive when running on into 3rd place in Trial 6. Wide and amongst the tailenders throughout most of the trial, the lightly-raced four-year-old finished strongly down the outside to be beaten only a length on the line.
“He gave me a great feel and worked through his gears beautifully under little riding” ~ Beau Mertens
Humza Bey will likely have a second trial in a fortnight before looking to kick off soon thereafter over 1400m. OTI is enjoying a terrific run with our sons and daughters of Belardo and we hope Humza Bey can continue the positive trend currently being set by Skippers Canyon, Knobelas & M’Lady Rose.
Trial 7 – Cinturato finishes 5th
Cinturato debuted in the spring with big wraps following a 6-length trial victory. Close up without threatening in both subsequent race starts, he headed to the paddock with the expectation that he would be better again in the autumn.
Stepping out for the first time for Mark Walker this preparation at Cranbourne in Trial 7, this was a ‘cleaning out the cobwebs’ type of trial. He was kept wide and out of trouble throughout the trial, and was held together over the concluding stages by jockey Lachie Neindorf.
“He ticked all the boxes for me today. He wasn’t here to do much, but what he did do was impressive” ~ Lachie Neindorf
Like Humza Bey, Cinturato will require a second trial before a race campaign can commence.
Trial 11 – Green Fly finishes 3rd
The most seasoned of our triallers on Monday was Green Fly, returning for another preparation with the Anthony & Sam Freedman team. A quality city-class performer on his day, we remain hopeful that he can break through this campaign for a well-deserved black-type victory, having twice been placed at that level in his career to date.
This was a second trial for the preparation and Green Fly is now considered ready to return to the races following it. As has become his custom, the seven-year-old finished strongly from the tail of the field, being beaten by just 1.75 lengths, running through the line very strongly.
“I thought he trialled really good. He feels like he’s in a very happy place” ~ Daniel Stackhouse
A horse that would no doubt appreciate a softer surface than he found on Monday, the Freedman stable will be scouring the race program searching for the right race and conditions for Green Fly’s seasonal return.