There were proven stars and up and comers in action at the Randwick trials on Friday with a newly gelded Mamaragan giving every indication he will be a force to reckon with this spring.
The John Thompson trained son of Wandjina won the Group II ATC Skyline Stakes on debut at two and was third in the Golden Slipper at his second start, but lost his way at three with the decision taken to geld him.
Second at his first trial back last month, Mamaragan led all the way to win his 900m heat to win by a neck under Nash Rawiller from the fast finishing I Am Invincible filly Najmaty, who promises to be a serious Princess Series contender
Two other Group and Listed trials were run and won by Embracer (Sebring) and Fituese (Deep Field).
Of the up and comer brigade there were several smart winners by I Am Invincible including Californiasilencer, Omni Man and De An Andretti, while Frankel filly Von Trapp again showed herself as a filly of potential.
She went forward from an inside gate to settle behind the leaders and was asked to hit the line by Josh Parr winning her 1050m heat by a neck, a good effort from a filly bred to get a lot further.
Von Trapp is a homebred for the Hutchinson family and carries the colours made famous by Australian Horse of the Year Typhoon Tracy.
She was withdrawn from Inglis Easter and retained which may well be a good move.
Von Trapp is bred on the same cross as Epsom Derby winner Adayar being from Chortle (GB), a winning Dubawi mare that is a full sister to triple Group I winner Hunters Light, who was successful up to 2250m.
Chortle was bought by bloodstock agent Neil Jenkinson from the Arqana December Mares Sale in 2016 for 220,000 euros and subsequently sent to Frankel with Von Trapp the result of the mating.
The female family is absolutely A grade European Black Type that screams Oaks filly and in Mark Newnham, Von Trapp has the right trainer.
Click here to see all trial results at Breednet with Sale Mail and at Racing NSW with video.
