Babes On Show

Only forty two-year-olds went around in the first ‘official’ trials at Randwick on Friday, a far cry from days of yore. There were a handful of eye-catching performances.

The 40 juveniles came from 13 stables. The biggest representation came from Graeme Rogerson with 9, Clarry Conners 6, Maryann Thexton (from the Gold Coast) 4, Paul Perry 4, Gai and Anthony Cummings 3 apiece.

Amongst first season sires, only four had runners: Savabeel a surprising 4, Charge Forward 2, Dane Shadow and Al Maher one each (no Fastnet Rocks).

There are four more heats at the Warwick Farm trials on Monday.

I was impressed by Real Saga (2c Tale Of The Cat-Windy Kate, by Air Express – not offered as a yearling) from the Hawkes stable which won heat two. He’s the first foal of his dam who was smart, winning three races at two. A good sort, this colt. And, believe it or not, he traces to Volifox as does Bianca and Samantha Miss (see Jim And Veda’s Work Lives On, below).

You couldn’t miss Gai’s/Star Thoroughbreds’ Horizons (2f Choisir-Ubiquity, by Hurricane Sky - $120,000 Magic Millions) who cleared out in heat one to record the fastest time. But she looked already very well drilled, drew the rail and had the blinkers on, so if it were a betting race she’d be $1.04. The dam is a sister to Continuum.

Gaston (2c Charge Forward-Capto, by Octagonal - $230,000 Easter) from the Rogerson yard was a strong closer to finish second in his heat. He had no idea what he was doing early but showed maturity beyond his years to dash home. He was nice at the yearling sales and still looks nice.

Onemorenomore (2c Red Ransom-Palia, by Last Tycoon - $800,000 Easter) had a soft win and this Patinack colour-bearer will be worth watching, too.