The big names return to the circuit in search in spring
SPRING is in not yet here, but the heavy hitters of the track are beginning their preparations for what looms as Melbourne’s most competitive season yet.
Star five-year-old Redzel stepped out onto the Randwick track for the first time since its Doomben 10,000 win back in May, and jockey Blake Shinn said the horse was “terrific” in its return to the track.
“He trialed lovely,” said Shinn.
“He began really well and showed nice speed but wasn’t in a rush. It was his first trial so we weren’t looking to over exert him. I didn’t give him a hard time but just enough to clean him out. He felt terrific and he’s come back terrific.”
Redzel was never taken out of first gear and cruised to the line to finish third, within a length of winner Dixie Blossoms as it attempts to atone for its poor eighth placed finish in last year’s AJ Moir Stakes.
“It’ll be exciting to see him in the Moir where he’ll be a real live chance.”
Another prospect to catch the eye was Godolphin colt Sanctioned.
The son of Teofilo, which was described by head trainer James Cummings as “a mouth-watering” colt before this latest appearance, showed speed and tenacity to easily win his barrier trial and will now head toward the Classics.
“He has thrived after a brief initial preparation,” Cummings added.
“I’d love to think he’s one of our leading Derby contenders,”
Sanctioned stablemates Interlocuter and Spectroscope also won their trials comfortably, and assistant head trainer Darren Beadman said the pair look ready to race.
“Interlocuter was very sharp and looks to be in great shape to return in the G2 Show County Stakes on Saturday week,” Beadman said.
“I thought Spectroscope was also impressive, he worked home nicely after looking to have peaked with 300 to run and Ghisoni also trialled really well in one of the better heats.”