A race like the Listed Rosebud could become a serious option for dual Group placegetter Eviction Notice if the youngster can round out his two-year-old season with a win.
Placed in the Canonbury Stakes and Silver Slipper during the summer, the Tulloch Lodge gelding was spelled after a midfield finish in the Black Opal Stakes taken out by subsequent Golden Slipper placegetter, Music Time.
He resumed in midweek grade at Warwick Farm earlier this month with the goal of knocking off his maiden, only to bump into a promising colt in the form of the Michael Freedman-trained Castillo King.
“I think the winner was very good, and his was an honest run,” co-trainer Adrian Bott said.
“He’s come back very well and he’s doing things much better this preparation. That should help him sustain a longer ‘prep’, and open up a few options later on.”
Bott is mindful Eviction Notice will be on a nine-day turnaround for Saturday’s Marcellin College Randwick Handicap (1100m) and under the weight conditions, will concede up to five kilos to his rivals.
However, provided the track continues to dry from its soft 7 rating on Thursday, Bott is hopeful the juvenile can break through for a win before he turns three on August 1.
“There are a few things against him, but he is better for that first run, and I thought that would end up being a pretty good form race,” Bott said.
“He has been gelded this prep, which is where we’ve seen the biggest change mentally.
“He used to be in a bit of a rush at times. He’s got an abundance of speed, but it’s how he utilises that because at times, he was wanting to get the race over and done with.”
If Eviction Notice can stand up and be counted at Randwick, Bott says some of the early-season three-year-old stakes races such as the Listed Rosebud (1100m) on August 15 will be on the table.
“Those are options for him,” he said.
“We want to see him prove himself to get into those races again and try to give him a bit of confidence.
“Then you can take that mindset that he’s an experienced horse with a bit of fitness on his side going early into the spring before some of those other horses resume.”
Adam Hyeronimus has the ride on Eviction Notice from barrier eight.
