Trainer Peter Giadresco wore a far more contented smile following an improved trial performance from Kaptain Kaos at Lark Hill this morning (Monday).
Up against some handy rivals in his 950m heat, including Railway Stakes runner-up, Alsephina, Kaptain Kaos closed strongly for a second behind Influencing.
Kaptain Kaos settled fourth in the six-horse trial and responded under hard riding from comeback jockey, Alex Hearn, when turning the corner.
Giadresco was in a better mood than after Kaptain Kaos’ first trial at the same course a fortnight back when he finished 12 lengths last to speedy Acromantula.
The Demerit gelding will now progress to feature company in two weeks when he steps out for his first assignment under Giadresco’s direction at Belmont.
“I am feeling a lot better after that trial,” Giadresco said.
“I wanted to give him a good hit out and he showed he’s ready to roll.
“He’ll step out in the Idyllic Prince Stakes (1300m) and we’ll give him a few runs.
“Naturally we would like to have a go at the Railway.
“I just want to get him back to form, that’s what I want to do.
“They were a handy bunch of horses he was up against.
“It was a good sign and what I wanted to see.
“It was the fastest trial of the day, as it should be, because it had the best horses in there.
“He pulled up spot on and he’s ready to roll.
“He’ll keep on improving yet.”
Giadresco, who has reduced the number of horses he prepares from his halcyon days, takes on Kaptain Kaos after previous trainers, Trevor Roche, Michael Grantham and Lindsey Smith in Victoria.
Grantham got the best out of Kaptain Kaos, preparing all his eight victories including career highs in the Group 3 Hyperion Stakes (1600m) and Listed Northam Cup (1600m).
Kaptain Kaos has not raced since finishing ninth to Ashy Boy in the Devonport Cup (1880m) for Smith in January.
Influencing stopped the clock at 56.74sec., the gelding’s opening hit out for Dan and Ben Pearce after a breakout campaign.
The son of Oratorio reeled off four straight wins from five starts at Pinjarra, Belmont and Ascot in February and March.
Alsephina, the talented Grant and Alana Williams-trained mare, settled last and remained in that position, beaten three lengths.
