Several Group 1 winners took their first serious steps of their Spring Carnival campaigns at Warwick Farm on Friday morning, but it was a horse yet to win at the highest level who turned most heads.
Schwarz was a dashing winner of the 900-metre open trial that included Australian Guineas hero Southport Tycoon and ATC Sires’ winner Manaal.
The John O’Shea and Tom Charlton-trained colt, who had James Mcdonald in the saddle, jumped quickly and opened up a decisive lead which he maintained to the line, defeating Mumbai Muse by 3-1/2 lengths in 54.28 seconds.
It was the son of Zoustar’s first public appearance since finishing down the track in the Group 3 Fred Best Classic (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 1, having won the Group 3 Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m) at his previous start.
The trial performance hinted that Schwarz will be ready to go for the early-spring features with Group 1 targets assured for the $1.25m yearling who races in the Rosemont Alliance colours.
Although comfortably held by Schwarz, Group 3-winning Zoustar filly Mumbai Muse hit the line with plenty in hand while Southport Tycoon and Manaal were allowed to work through their gears, finishing third and fourth respectively.
Schwarz’s trial was the second of the morning, following the 1000m open trial that was won by the Jason Coyle-trained Maz Kanata.
That daughter of Va Pensiero edged out last year’s The Metropolitan winner Just Fine, who hit the line well under light riding to be beaten just a short-head, while Tulsi surged to the line out wide with plenty in hand.
Last year’s ATC Oaks winner Pennyweka , who was recently bought by Yulong for $1.6m, finished last in her second trial for Ciaron Maher but was not knocked around and finished 3-1/4 lengths from the winner.
