John Sargent is renowned as a trainer of stayers in Australia but his resume with two-year-olds in New Zealand is equally impressive.
And he hopes to get the chance to showcase that versatility locally when he starts debutante Crystal Falls in the Pierro Plate (1100m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Sargent has won Australian Classic races with Kirramosa, Gust Of Wind and Quintessential and two years ago claimed his third Wakeful Stakes with Luvaluva.
But he has also won some of the biggest juvenile races in his homeland, including the Group One Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes twice, most recently with Choice Bro in 2012.
Sargent knows a talented youngster when he comes across one and he likes what he sees in Crystal Falls.
“I’ve had quite a few Group One two-year-olds in New Zealand but it’s just the ones I get given or train here are mostly stayers,” Sargent said.
“You can tell a two-year-old pretty much straight away.
“The first time I galloped her she showed she was a natural and she’s never had a problem with injuries or anything. Everything comes to her naturally.”
Crystal Falls brings a handy barrier trial CV to the races.
She wasn’t extended to beat subsequent Magic Millions Classic winner Exhilarates at her first trial in October and more recently was placed behind Athiri, currently second favourite for the Blue Diamond Stakes.
“She’s a good track worker and she can run good times if you want her to, but we don’t over-extend her,” Sargent said.
“She can do that on race day or trial day. Everything should be A1 for Saturday and hopefully she’s got the goods.”
Crystal Falls was a $34 chance on Thursday with the Chris Waller-trained Rotator favourite on the strength of his closing debut second to Amercement in the Widden Stakes.
The race also marks the return of Breeders’ Plate runner-up Covert Ops and Godolphin filly Tenley, while highly regarded Queensland youngster Garibaldi makes his Sydney debut.
