Ballistic Boy is another Queensland horse being aimed at an interstate carnival tilt after making a pleasing return at the Doomben trials on Tuesday.
The five-year-old has not raced since he was given a torrid run in January’s Magic Millions Subzero.
That completed a frustrating end to a campaign that had shown so much promise, having won twice over a mile before he was scratched at the barriers at Eagle Farm in December.
That set his campaign back and he was subsequently beaten in both The Wave and Subzero in January.
Off the back of that, trainer Chris Anderson decided to give the one-time Group 3 Rough Habit Plate winner a lengthy spell.
Tuesday was his first public outing since January and he will trial again in a fortnight. Jockey Brad Stewart said Ballistic Boy trialled ‘fresh’ and forced his way to the front before fending off short course specialist Pizonie to win his heat.
“He was very willing. He trialled on the fresher side,” Anderson said.
“He will come back in a fortnight for a second trial and we’re looking forward to the preparation ahead.”
That campaign could depend on what happens with the Covid situation in Sydney, where there are several tempting options for Ballistic Boy, who races in the colours of Think Big Stud.
“The aim is certainly to kick him off up here in Brisbane and give him at least two runs,” Anderson said.
“Then we can aim at those classic (2000m) races in Sydney or Melbourne.”
Ballistic Boy has won six of his 20 starts to date for earnings of just over $500,000.
In a marathon trial session, a number of proven Group performers had trial hitouts this morning, including several from Chris Waller’s team, who floated up from the Gold Coast.
Queensland Derby winner Kukeracha ran last in his heat, run off his feet over 840m without being asked to do a lot by Jason Taylor.
Group 1 placed Imaging, along with stakes winners Shared Ambition and Kiku, along with stakes placed Hoover Lucy also trialled for the Waller team.
