Vancouver dazzles in barrier trial ahead of spring carnival
UNDEFEATED Golden Slipper winner Vancouver has dazzled onlookers when winning a barrier trial at Randwick on Friday morning, including its rider, Tommy Berry.
Vancouver landed on the speed over the 850-metre trial and it fought off the challenge of Hi World to win by a half-head.
“He gives you goosebumps,” Tommy Berry said. “That’s the best he’s trialled without the blinkers on.
“He’s just so relaxed and laid back. What I really liked about him today was the way he pulled away from them inside the final [50] metres.”
Trainer Gai Waterhouse was also pleased with the effort and now she has the task of finding a race to kick start its three-year-old campaign.
“He’s such a professional colt,” Waterhouse said. “I’m happy, happy, happy.
“I haven’t made a decision yet. I will just see how he comes through that trial and make a decision sometime within the next 10 days.
“The San Domenico is a first-up option, otherwise we’ll wait until The Run To The Rose.”
The Group 3 San Domenico Stakes is scheduled for August 15 at Rosehill and the Group 2 Run To The Rose is at Rosehill a fortnight later.
The son of Medaglia D’oro is the current $3 favourite at Sportsbet.com.au in the Group 1 Golden Rose which will be held at Rosehill on September 12.