Brett Partelle says Stradbroke Handicap hopeful Torio’s Quest is showing he’s back to his best following a pleasing barrier trial at Rosehill.
Torio’s Quest starred with a four-length Queensland Guineas win at last year’s winter carnival and is being aimed at Brisbane’s richest sprint next month.
The four-year-old finished fourth in a 900m hitout on Tuesday, won by Skytrain, which delighted Partelle.
“He went terrific,” Partelle said.
“He settled way back and hit the line with huge gusto. Hughie (Bowman) was very happy with him and I was very happy.
“He’s very close to being back at his top.”
Torio’s Quest is set to resume from a let-up in a 1300m race at Scone on Friday week before heading north for the Group Two QTC Cup (1300m) on June 2.
“He’ll then go into the Stradbroke the following week,” Partelle said.
Torio’s Quest is at $17 in TAB Sportsbet’s Stradbroke market with Buffering and Mental joint favourites at $9.
The Anthony Freedman-trained Smokin’ Joey, $12 in Stradbroke betting, also geared up for the winter carnival with a trial at Doomben on Tuesday.
The last-start Group Three winner finished second in an 820m hitout.
