Tasmanian trainer Adam Trinder has taken enough positives out of Valiant Warrior’s introduction to Melbourne racing to be confident the sprinter can make a bold showing at Moonee Valley.
Valiant Warrior travelled to Melbourne for a late-season sprint for three-year-olds at Flemington on July 18 and finished sixth behind Supido, beaten less than three lengths.
He has remained in Victoria since that first-up race and steps out again on the opening day of the new season on Saturday for his first start as a four-year-old.
Trinder believes the sprinter will be better suited around a bend in Saturday’s Ranvet Handicap (1200m) after his straight-track effort.
“I thought his run at Flemington was very positive,” Trinder said.
“There were a few variables of going down the straight for the first time and he led down the centre of the track and I think he got a bit lost.
“Moonee Valley is a track we identified as wanting to give him the opportunity around because he’s been very dynamic around a bend in Tasmania.”
Valiant Warrior, to be ridden by Anthony Darmanin, won six of his first eight starts in Tasmania before coming to Melbourne.
Trinder said if Valiant Warrior can win or run well on Saturday he will look to continue his preparation in Melbourne and pinpoint more Saturday class races.
“We went to Flemington hopeful, whereas we’re heading to the Valley reasonably confident,” he said.
