There were four heats for Group and Listed horses on the course proper at Warwick Farm on Monday morning featuring some Everest hopefuls and some top class mares including one having her first outing in the Yulong colours, while a couple of three year-old colts that have been entered for the Cox Plate were also in action.
One of the most progressive mares in the Ciaron Maher stable last season, Semana placed in Group I races at three of her last four runs before spelling and the daughter of Winning Rupert looked sharp and ready for spring with a dominant four length heat win.
Semana was a $200,000 Magic Millions purchase as a yearling from Newgate Farm for James Bester Bloodstock/Vantage Thoroughbreds and has already won $1.4million and if the five year-old can win a G1 this season her owners can expect even more money if they choose to cash her in as a broodmare prospect.
A two-time stakes-winner last spring, Zoustar mare Mumbai Muse lost her way in the autumn, but looked strong and focused at her second trial this prep when leading all the way with ears pricked, while three year-old Rubick filly Erno’s Cube did a good job and is as honest as the day is long.
Historically, Rubick has had some good two year-olds that became a heck of a lot better at three such as Jacquinot and Yes Yes Yes, so am keen to keep a sharp eye on Erno’s Cube.
Another three year-old filly in action in the next heat with G1 Sires Produce Stakes winner Manaal finishing off well in her second trial this prep to beat Group I Australian Guineas winner Southport Tycoon and G2 winner Kimochi, who was having her first outing for Yulong after they bought her for $2.2million at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale.
Finishing behind them under a hold was Sunshine in Paris, who is looking to get back to the Everest this year following her withdrawal from the race last year due to injury. The G1 winning daughter of Invader was bought for a whopping $3.9million at the 2023 MM National Broodmare Sale by James Harron for John Camilleri of Fairway Thoroughbreds and they’ve certainly had to be patient to get a return on investment.
The last Group and Listed trial was won by Trapeze Artist stallion Ducasse, who won the G3 ATC Carbine Club Stakes in the autumn, but most interest centred on G1 winning mare Amelia’s Jewel who has a close second in her first trial for new trainers Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald.
Plenty to look at in this trial with Tiz Invincible a close third, Everest contender Buenos Noches under a big hold and newly gelded Ceolwulf also just following them around. Could be a G1 winner among that trio and Tiz Invincible is very interesting given how dominant she was in the fillies races last spring before a wide gate and 1600m caused her to unravel in the Flight Stakes.
Her autumn was average, but that was autumn and this is spring, so let’s see if Tiz Invincible can get her A game back!
A couple of Group winning colts that are both nominated for the Cox Plate in Traffic Warden and Prost had their first trials back this prep over 793m and found the line well with the Too Darn Hot (GB) duo of Hezdarnhottoo and Too Darn Lizzie filling the quinella.
The first two both won races last season and were tried in better company and ran well without winning, so will no doubt be aiming up at Black Type this spring although Hezdarnhottoo will be doing so as a gelding.
Click here for all the trial results at Breednet with Sale Mail and at Racing NSW with video.
