An interesting set of trials at Randwick on Friday morning highlighted by the return of expensive imported mare Alcohol Free alongside some Everest aspirants, and a few three-year-olds who’ll have spring ambitions.
Alcohol Free became the second highest priced ever sold at European auction last year when purchased by Yulong at the Tattersalls December Mare Sale for 5.4million guineas.
A four-time Group One winner, twice at six furlongs, twice at a mile, she never figured when sent out for her first Australian start over the mile in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes during the autumn.
This was the first time we’ve seen her since in what was a strong effort in good time just nosing out Missile Stakes winner I Am Me with Lost And Running third. Her spring planning is going to be interesting.
Lost And Running, a tragic race morning scratching from last year’s Everest, looked strong in his performance and he’s no doubt in the frame again for a start in the big sprint.
Another Everest contender from last year, Private Eye was always kept under a hold with his 5th.
Russian Revolution colt, Red Resistance was another scratching from his main assignment in the autumn when forced out of the Golden Slipper when one of the favourites.
A winner of the Gr.3 Canonbury Stakes at his second start before a second to Cylinder in the Gr2 Todman Stakes, he has the potential to be a major player in the three-year-old races coming up this spring.
It’s a heat worth a few looks with some nice efforts behind, notably runner-up Palmetto and the strong finishing Hell I Am.
The Gooree Stud owned Prized Icon filly Tropical Squall looked good in her heat when again showing good speed and maintain the gallop to the line to win.
A debut winner when starting a red-hot favourite in June, she’ll no doubt have some black type aspirations in the coming months.
Another horse which will have spring stakes ambitions is the winner of Heat Nine, Royal Tribute.
A $500,000 Snitzel colt, he’s been seen in four trials and is yet to be beaten.
His only start did see defeat but he was far from disgraced with second to another promising colt in Ozzmosis and was put aside immediately.
See full trial results at Breednet here, and with video at Racing NSW here.
