Joe Pride has quashed concerns over Attica’s unconvincing barrier trials, adamant they have been reflective of his lackadaisical attitude rather than his condition.
Jockey Adam Hyeronimus has had to encourage the three-year-old in his two most recent heats, but Pride says that is typical of Attica’s attitude.
“There has been a bit said about the trial, but he is the most laidback horse in my stable,” Pride said.
“You’re flat-out getting him to walk sometimes.
“He is just so casual and when he gets the blinkers on, he is a different horse so he will have them on first-up.”
Attica’s relaxed demeanour was on display in the spring when he was pushed out to narrowly win his maiden at Warwick Farm then was beaten at Kembla Grange, before the blinkers went on for his successive victories in the Dulcify Stakes and Spring Champion Stakes.
As a valuable stallion proposition for owners Godolphin – Attica is by Lonhro out of former top race mare Savatiano – Pride wants to see the horse hit the ground running and warns he will be ready to rumble in Saturday’s Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill.
“He is absolutely primed. I’m so happy with him,” he said.
“There is no mucking around with colts. They’ve got to be ready to go right from the start of the ‘prep’ and he is ready to go.
“He’s got the Randwick Guineas second-up and that is one of his big aims.”
A field of 10 was accepted for the Hobartville Stakes (1400m), including Spring Champion runner-up Shangri La Boy, Caulfield Guineas winner Autumn Boy and the emerging Green Spaces.
Attica has drawn the outside gate, while Autumn Boy has also landed an awkward barrier in eight.
The Silver Slipper for the two-year-olds has also attracted a 10-horse field headed by equal Golden Slipper favourite Hidrix and Breeders’ Plate winner Incognito, who will be out to reignite his autumn after suffering a suspected palette displacement when beaten first-up.
