Four heats at the Warwick Farm trials this morning were won by juveniles that included a couple of fillies coming back after making their debut in the Group III ATC Gimcrack Stakes last spring.
Quickest of the heats was won by the Gary Portelli trained Exceed and Excel filly Handloom in the Godolphin blue. Unplaced in the Gimcrack, Handloom looked fast and professional at her second trial this prep leading all the way to win by four lengths over Home Affairs colt Barracks, who was also having his second trial and will be well prepared when goes to the races.
Handloom is the second foal of Handspun, a winning grand-daughter of Group II winner In a Bound, whose dam is Golden Slipper winner and Australian Horse of the Year Bounding Away.
The Bjorn Baker stable sent Better Off Alone to the Gimcrack and she looked a winning hope with a furlong to run before fading to run a close seventh and was having her first trial since then. She’s lost none of her brilliance, leading easily for Jason Collett before going on to win by a neck held together over Hellbent filly Hellenic Belle, who hit the line hard in her first outing.
Better Off Alone is a full sister to two winners and it’s hard not see her becoming a third for her dam Not a Single Woman, who comes from the family of Group III winner Inspire.
Third trial and best so far from unraced Ciaron Maher trained Exceedance colt Raise the Bar, who steamed home late in company with Godolphin’s Exceed and Excel colt Zensen, who was having his fourth trial and also best to date.
Half-brother to three winners from a mare that goes back to a European female family featuring Group I Irish Derby winner Grey Swallow, hence the grey colouring for Raise the Bar.
Additional winner was Baylie’s Folly (Stratum Star).
Click here for all results at Breednet with Sale Mail and at Racing NSW with video.
