In form Brenlyn’s Trooper is set for his Flemington debut after successive wins at Albury.
Wodonga trainer Sylvia Thompson is using a straight race at Flemington on Saturday as a test run for a potential start in a stakes race.
Brenlyn’s Trooper, with Jake Duffy aboard, runs in the VRC Member William Capell Sprint (1100m) with a view to contesting the Listed A R Creswick Stakes (1200m) at Flemington in two weeks’ time.
A three-year-old son of Redente, Brenlyn’s Trooper has won three of his four starts, finishing second at The Valley at his only other appearance, with Thompson saying the gelding is very exciting.
“I think there’s plenty of scope in him still,” Thompson told RSN.
“He seems to be a natural in his trade but he’s still got a bit to learn and next time around he’ll be a lot more switched on that what he is now.
“The main thing with taking him down to Flemington is to give him a look at it.
“We are looking at running in the Creswick, all going to plan, so we want to give him a look at the straight first.”
Brenlyn’s Trooper has similarities with Front Page, last year’s winner of the Creswick Stakes, who competed around the northern tracks of Victoria and the southern districts of NSW.
Front Page strolled home at Albury and Wangaratta before heading to Flemington while Brenlyn’s Trooper is coming off successive Albury wins.
Right from the first time Thompson galloped Brenlyn’s Trooper she knew she had a horse of ability, but the trainer is well aware of what is facing the gelding.
“He’s not going to have it as easy as he did up here and he’s got to step up to the mark,” Thompson said.
“He’s got that mental side to overcome, but next prep, you won’t know him.”
