Alpine Eagle has taken another step towards his season return with a win in a barrier trial at Tatura and connections will decide this week when the horse steps out at the races.
The five-year-old was taken to Tatura to trial on Tuesday and trainer Tony McEvoy was pleased with the way he went about his work to win the 1400m heat which also included Geelong Cup winner Almoonqith who finished second.
McEvoy said he would meet with Alpine Eagle’s owner Wolf Blass this week to decide which race the horse resumes in.
The Group One Memsie Stakes (1400m) on Saturday week or the Listed Sofitel Stakes (1400m) two weeks later are options.
“He went very nicely,” McEvoy said.
“He did all that we asked him to do. I couldn’t be happier.
“I’ve got to have a meeting with Wolf Blass later this week then we’ll decide on his program. There’s the 27th (of August) or there’s the 10th of September.”
Alpine Eagle won a Group Two race and was runner-up in the Australian Guineas as an autumn three-year-old but a cracked pedal bone forced him to the sidelines for an extended period after two spring starts last year.
He made a late season cameo when fifth in the R A Lee Stakes (1600m) in Adelaide in May before McEvoy turned his attention to the spring.
Luke Currie rode Alpine Eagle in Tuesday’s trial.
“He strode out nicely,” McEvoy said.
“It was a heavy eight track and he seemed to be quite comfortable in it. Luke didn’t knock him about and he went to the line with his ears up.”
