There was a real sense of spring in the air at Caulfield on Wednesday morning, with a host of top-line gallopers stepping out — including multiple Group 1 performers.
Matt Welsh takes a look at the key heats, highlighting a few to follow and one or two who may have questions to answer.
Follow Me:
- Mornington Glory
- Esha
Jury’s Out:
- My Gladiola
Heat 1 – Won by Mornington Glory
A sharp return from the Gavin Bedggood-trained sprinter, who exploded away from the field mid-trial and ran slick time — just what you’d hope to see from a horse of his ability.
Stretan Angel, who has been narrowly denied at Group 1 level, moved stylishly into second and looks to have come back in great order for Phillip Stokes.
Desert Lightning, race-fit from a Queensland campaign, trialled soundly, while Magic Time was never asked for an effort in fourth.
Heat 2 – Won by Midwest
A typically professional performance from Midwest, who is a jump-and-run type that always trials well.
There was merit in the run of Tiger Shark (2nd), a former Queenslander now with Clayton Douglas – he moved well throughout.
Niance was given a very quiet trial in fourth. Surprising to see her installed as $4.50 favourite for the Group 1 Moir Stakes off that – she looks unders at this point.
Heat 4 – Won by Tycoon Star
Lindsay Park boasts serious depth among their new-season three-year-olds, and Tycoon Star is clearly one of the standouts.
Placed in a Blue Diamond, he showed his class with a strong on-speed performance. He did everything expected of a Group 1 placegetter and looks to have returned in solid order.
Heat 5 – Won by McGaw
Talented 2YOs McGaw and My Gladiola went to the line together, but both were asked for an effort and the clock said they probably should’ve done more.
McGaw still has some maturing to do – he wanted to get the head up early – so there’s room for improvement.
My Gladiola, on the other hand, may not have taken the step required to match it with better 3YOs this spring. Commanche Miss was good late and might be one to watch.
Heat 6 – Won by Esha
The standout of the morning. Esha, a Shane Nichols-trained daughter of Extreme Choice, clocked fast time and did it effortlessly.
She’s always promised to be above average – her dominant debut win in Adelaide a case in point – and she’s clearly taken another step.
Based on this trial, Esha shapes as a genuine contender for races like the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes.
