The first two heats at the Randwick trials on Friday featured some serious contenders for The Everest and later in the morning we saw some talented three year-olds looking to measure up to Group I class this spring.
Winner of the 2022 Everest as a three year-old, Giga Kick was having his second trial back following a lengthy spell and looked strong and keen to do the job, travelling hard on the bit all the way for James McDonald to win by three-quarters of a length over Super Seth colt Linebacker, who was also on his second trial and has come back in great order.
Having missed virtually all of last season, the Clayton Douglas trained Giga Kick is a five year-old with very little mileage on the clock and could have a very productive season if he stays sound.
The second Group and Listed heat over 900m was won by the Kiwi Group I winning mare Belclare, who has now won both of her trials in Sydney since transferring to Bjorn Baker and ran slightly quicker time than the previous heat. From an Everest perspective plenty of interest in Sunshine Paris and Buenos Noches, who both hit the line well under a hold, while last start Group II Missile Stakes winner Schwarz was given a tick over trial.
Expensive Deep Field colt High Octane was third in the Listed ATC Rosebud Stakes two weeks ago when resuming, but was on a mission in this trial with winkers on and sent forward by Tommy Berry to be competitive and find the line. It will be interesting to see if the same tactics are employed on race day for the Peter Snowden trained colt.
Carrying the James Harron Bloodstock colours, Pierata colt Fearless showed good potential last season albeit always looking an unfurnished type that would benefit with time. Trained by Peter Snowden, he looked pretty sharp in his first trial back winning easily by nearly three lengths.
Another James Harron Bloodstock colt that carries plenty of expectation is Zoustar’s son Espionage, whose ownership now includes Coolmore and partners. He won the Group III ATC Breeders Plate on debut last year and finished the season with a facile win in the Group III ATC Kindergarten Stakes after missing a start in the Golden Slipper.
This was his first trial back and only over 740m. Trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, he travelled deep all the way and was held together to finish second with Group I winner Mazu in third place.
Click here for all the trial results with Sale Mail at Breednet and at Racing NSW with video.
