It’s getting to an annually exciting time at the barrier trials where we’ll be getting a look at the autumn candidates, and at Randwick on Tuesday we saw a couple of high profile, high priced Zoustar three-year-olds that didn’t land a blow in the spring.
Heat six saw million dollar Zoustar colt Espionage and $2.7 million unbeaten filly Clean Energy engaged with Russian Revolution five-year-old Insurrection winning from Espionage in second, and Clean Energy fifth in the 740m hit out.
Espionage (3c Zoustar x In Times Of War) was originally a $1mil purchase for the James Harron Bloodstock Colt Partnership from Baramul Stud at Magic Millions and after winning the Breeders Plate on debut and finishing second in the Group II Silver Slipper, curiously found himself with not enough prizemoney to run in the Golden Slipper, instead being declared an emergency.
The back up plan saw him win the Group III Kindergarten Stakes last April after which Coolmore Stud and partners joined the ownership.
However after being given a single trial in August, the spring preparation was aborted so now we see him back for the first time since and he looked good in his effort, being given a late wakeup call by James McDonald to finish a close second.
Clean Energy (3f Zoustar x Solar Charged), the 2.6million sister to Sunlight who has created a huge impression at her only two starts, winning on debut then stepping straight to stakes grade to win the Listed Bill Carter Stakes at Doomben in May.
It turned out to be a feat even more notable given she beat subsequent Group I Flight Stakes winner Lady Shenandoah, a filly she’d also beaten in her maiden win, however Clean Energy hasn’t been seen since.
It’s fair to say Adam Hyeronimus gave her a niggle or two towards the end of this trial while a couple around her looked to be traveling better so her next trial will be interesting.
Heat five saw two other high profile three-year-olds in Mayfair and Manaal having their first autumn hit outs.
Mayfair (3c Fastnet Rock x Cicatrix) is yet to win at stakes level however in a four-start spring campaign was placed in the Group I Golden Rose, and Group III Ming Dynasty Quality and San Domenico Stakes.
He was niggled along to do his work during the trial ultimately winning, while Manaal (3f Tassort x Red Lodge) really caught the eye cruising to the line.
Group I winner of the ATC Sires Produce at two and with the Group II Furious Stakes under the belt already at three, she looks to be coming up a treat for the autumn.
Another interesting trial earlier in the day belonged to four-year-old Zoustar stallion Schwarz.
Bought for $1.25million as a stallion prospect by Rosemont Stud and partners as a yearling, he has promised plenty with three stakes wins among his four wins from nine starts however this will be the preparation he’ll need to stand up and put himself into the picture as a breeding prospect.
He was tested right out in winning his heat very impressively in good time and no doubt an ambitious campaign awaits.
