Six heats for juveniles at the Rosehill barrier trials on Tuesday morning produced some interesting winners including a Fastnet Rock colt that looks an obvious contender for the Brisbane Winter Carnival.
Champion trainer Chris Waller has a knack for unleashing progressive two year-olds at the back end of the season and using Brisbane as a pathway to spring success and Ranch Hand fits that profile.
An easy debut winner at Warwick Farm just before Christmas, he was then sent north for a tilt at the Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
A close third at his first run in Brisbane behind Queen of Wizardry, Ranch Hand was then fifth to Shaquero in the big race at the Gold Coast before heading to the spelling paddock.
He did everything right in his trial for James McDonald and was well held together throughout.
A $260,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Turangga Farm draft for Tom Magnier, Ranch Hand is the second foal and first winner for Mezulla (NZ), a metropolitan winner by Shamardal (USA) from the family of Kiwi Group I winner Just Call Me Sir.
Pedigree would suggest distances up to a mile should be perfect for Ranch Hand as he progresses through this preparation.
Other heat winners were: Cool Lad (Al Maher), Decisive Move (American Pharoah (USA), SAchello (Headwater), Barmera (I Am Invincible) and Conexy (Nicconi).
Click here for all the trial results with Sale Mail at Breednet and at Racing NSW with video.
