Options abound for Trusting after the talented but enigmatic galloper showed his best with a commanding win in Saturday’s Group Two Hill Stakes at Rosehill.
Trainer John Thomspon declared he had “never been more confident” and the last start Chelmsford Stakes winner lived right up to expectations in the 2000m event as he spaced his rivals by 3-3/4-lengths with star Singapore-based Brazilian Joao Moreira on board.
Thompson said the Group One Metropolitan (2400m) or the Group One Turnbull Stakes (2000m) were options for Trusting with a Caulfield Cup or Cox Plate tilt to be determined.
“I’ll leave it up to the boss (Nathan Tinkler), he’ll either run in the Metrop or the Turnbull, I’m probably leaning to the Turnbull then into the Caulfield Cup,” Thompson said.
“He’s just so well weighted in the Caulfield Cup with 52 kilos.”
Trusting scored for the first time in two years last start and he backed that up in the Hill Stakes after jumping well and settling in a forward position.
Moreira, who rode four winners in Singapore on Friday night before heading to Sydney, had Trusting in the lead before he was able to get cover as Dealer Principal took over.
In the straight the $2.10 favourite burst clear to defeat Hawk Island ($6.50) with another 2-1/4-lengths to Tullamore ($2.80) in third.
“He’s back,” Thompson said.
“Everybody has always known he is the real deal. Today he jumped, put himself there and just put them away. He’s just an awesome horse.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been so confident with a horse going to the races. He’s 110 per cent, just an absolute ball of energy.”
Thompson also praised Moreira who was making his second appearance of the Sydney spring and remains unbeaten on Trusting.
“Horses just run for him and I don’t reckon I’ve met a more competitive jockey,” Thompson said.
Moreira said the effort to get to Sydney was worthwhile and he was keen to continue his association with Trusting during the spring.
“I’m just so happy, he’s such a nice horse and I’m the blessed guy to be on top of him,” Moreira said.
“The trainer wanted me to come back, I know it’s tough as I worked yesterday in Singapore but I was quite confident this horse would do well again.”
Hawk Island will head to either the Metropolitan or Craven Plate while Tullamore could also go to the Metropolitan or straight to Melbourne.
AAP TURF
