A big morning and indeed big day Sunday with John Thompson’s Open Morning at Randwick from 9.30am and a couple of runners later in the day.
Currently a lot of our youngsters are trialing or approaching that stage, so this week PROVEN has limited runners. However, Sunday sees the consistent LOTHARIO (pictured) stepping out in a suitable race at the Sunshine Coast. After finishing in the money at his first two runs this time in, the 4yo blotted his copybook struggling on the shifty Ipswich going last start. Out to 1400m on the roomy Sunshine Coast circuit with the rail in the true, he looks well placed by Steve O’Dea.
Also on Sunday potential stayer COUNTERFIRE returns from a long break for the John Bateman stable. On the sidelines with a knee injury the Pentire gelding has his first run for 10 months in the 40k 1400m Showcase Maiden at Nowra. Monday sees a trio of trialists of Joe Pride’s stepping out at Warwick Farm in the PROVEN colours. Smart 2yo filly BROOK MAGIC, city winning 3yo ARGENT D’OR and 3yo SAVABEEL filly READABEEL take their next fitness step prior to returning to the races.
On Tuesday Eagle Farm trainer Steve O’Dea will send YES TONIGHT, SETOKA and FRANCISCA across the road to Doomben for their second trials this preparation. These fillies have pleased in their lead-up work and their respective bands of owners look forward to their return to the racetrack next month.