Cover image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
Mazu still full of spark
In Heat 4 over 740 metres, the Joseph Pride-trained Mazu (Maurice {Jpn}) showed he still has the turn of foot that has helped him amass more than $12 million in prizemoney and bonuses for Triple Crown Syndications and his connections.
Having his second trial this preparation after a win on the Warwick Farm turf earlier this month, the 7-year-old led throughout, stayed wide, and scored comfortably under Jason Collett. Maz Kanata (Va Pensiero) was solid in second, while Good Sort (Tassort) held third just ahead of the fast-finishing eye-catchers Kintyre (Hallowed Crown) and the outstanding Joliestar (Zoustar), who settled well back and charged home late under minimal urging.
Sam Manion from Triple Crown Syndications was pleased with the effort.
“Nice trial, he wasn’t asked for much, but he looked very strong, he looks like he has returned well.
“Nice trial, he (Mazu) wasn’t asked for much, but he looked very strong, he looks like he has returned well.” - Sam Manion
“At this stage he probably goes to the Concorde, it might be a bit short for him, but if this weather sticks around it might be a good option for him.
“We are keeping a close eye on Melbourne as a potential option; we are keeping the options open at this stage.”
Beiwacht looks big and strong to start the season
The Chros Waller-trained Beiwacht (Bivouac) went forward early in Heat 5 over 740 metres, before Mad Darcey (Winning Rupert) rolled to the lead, and not much changed in the running throughout.
However, one thing was clear - Beiwacht loomed strongly under Adam Hyeronimus and won narrowly but nicely under a hold. It was his second trial this preparation, and he now looks ready to head to the races.
Mad Darcey was close up in second, while the Group 1 winner El Castello (Castelvecchio) trialled well, finishing off nicely. Among others, In Flight (Flying Artie) wasn’t asked for much but also went through the line well.
A winner of the G2 Silver Slipper Stakes as a juvenile when trained by James Cummings, Beiwacht looks a handy pick-up for the Chris Waller stable and shapes as a colt who could measure up in the early 3-year-old feature sprints in the coming weeks.
Beiwacht’s dam, Metastasio (Street Cry {Ire}), was a dual juvenile winner, including the Listed Chairman’s Stakes. She has also produced Listed winner Gravina (Sebring). More recently, she has left a 2-year-old filly named Cafe Reine (Bivouac), a yearling filly by Microphone, and is due to foal to Benbatl (GB) later this spring.
Verona Rose bursts through to win nicely
There was a strong pace during the open Heat 3 trial over 740 metres as Believe In Angels (Echoes Of Heaven) made the early running, while Sweltering (Too Darn Hot {GB}) snuck up along the rail and Dragonstone (Mikki Isle {Jpn}) was content to stay wide and sustain his run on the speed.
As a result of Dragonstone racing so wide, Jason Collett on the Gary Portelli-trained Verona Rose (Castelvecchio) tracked up beautifully under a hold and won the heat by just over half a length. Dragonstone stuck on well for second, with Cosmonova (Zoustar) finishing third.
Video: Watch replay of Verona Rose, video courtesy of Racing NSW
Among those behind them, the talented 3-year-old Wodeton (Wootton Bassett {GB}) was given a very quiet trial, finishing sixth, as was Political Debate (So You Think {NZ}), who cruised home in eighth.
Verona Rose enjoyed a strong 3-year-old season, though she often had little luck. Even so, she claimed the G3 Kembla Grange Classic and finished fourth in the G1 Vinery Stud Classic.
Her dam, Minamya (Fr) (Makfi {GB}), was a winner over 1900 metres and is related to Manighar (Fr) (Linamix {Fr}), the outstanding three-time Group 1 winner. Since foaling Verona Rose, Minamya has produced a 3-year-old filly named Pure Melody (Maurice {Jpn}), a yearling colt by Hitotsu, and is due to foal to Castelvecchio in early October.
