Some classy runners stepped out on Monday for barrier trials at Warwick Farm, most notably the worlds highest rated sprinter Terravista. Did he catch our eye? Here is our horses to watch from the session:
Warwick Farm- Monday, February 9, Weather Overcast/Showers, Track Good 4:
Heat One- Who Shot Thebarman (3rd):
He hasn’t been seen since running a brave third to Protectionist in the Melbourne Cup, but gee he looks to have come back in outstanding order. He sat behind the leader in the trial before Blake Shinn eased him to the outside on the turn, giving him plenty of clear air. The eventual winner Hartnell took that inside run and shot through, but I thought this horse was excellent late, under no real pressure. There is definitely a Group l in him…just which one?
Heat Two- Flowing On (4th):
I didn’t mind the trial of this unraced four year old gelding for Paul Cave. He was totally outpaced here early on by the two leaders, who cut at each other. Once Flowing On did get balanced up and find his feet, he lengthened really nicely when asked by Glyn Schofield and attacked the line better than anything. Interesting to see where he debuts, because I’ll have definitely have something each way on him.
Heat Three- Dear Demi (3rd):
The iron mare hasn’t been seen since finishing seventh to Fawkner in the Caulfield Stakes, but she looks to be in for an excellent Autumn after her trial effort here, sitting behind the two leaders Rain Affair and Va Pensiero. She was flatfooted at the top of the straight, but she closed off really well and was less than a length from Rain Affair. I’ll have a dabble on her each-way when she resumes, because she clearly looks forward enough.
Heat Four- Terravista (Last):
It’s hard to get a guide on how well he went because the trial was pretty dominated by noted barrier trial star I’m All The Talk, but on face value, he did travel very comfortably despite beating no runners home. I’d want to see him again before making a proper judgement, because you can’t get that here. The winner was just too quick.
Heat Nine- Bracteate (Last):
This Godolphin won his maiden at Wyong on a heavy track in August, then performed just fair at the midweeks. He hasn’t raced since October, but he looked excellent out the back here behind Miss World. James McDonald gave him a very easy hit out and he looked pretty impressive through the line. He’ll be much more competitive at the midweeks this time in.
Heat Twelve- Almost Grand (2nd):
This daughter of Monashee Mountain has only had one start, back in July when fourth to Savoureux in a Cessnock maiden. That filly has since won a Stakes race in Brisbane, so that’s excellent form, and Almost Grand appears to have come back in outstanding fashion based on this trial, sitting off five duelling leaders before getting a split 200m out and running home powerfully under a good hold from Christian Reith. I’ll be keen to see where she kicks off her prep.
