Cover image courtesy of Trackside Photography
Pier one to watch this spring
Heat 5, run over 790 metres, was won by Maz Kanata (Va Pensiero), who proved too sharp for his rivals. He led, controlled, and kicked away to win by just over two lengths.
While all honours were with the winner, it was the New Zealander Pier (NZ) (Proisir) who produced an eye-catching run for second under Andrew Calder. He stormed home out wide under minimal urging, with Dame Annie (Denman) close behind in third.
Video: Watch the replay for Maz Kanata, video courtesy of Racing NSW
Interestingly, Pier was recently a late nomination for the G1 Cox Plate, suggesting the Darryn and Briar Weatherley stable holds lofty ambitions for the talented gelding. He won the G1 2000 Guineas in New Zealand back as a 3-year-old and ended his last campaign in style, claiming victory at his last start in the Listed Wayne Wilson Stakes at Eagle Farm by nearly three lengths.
He is expected to resume in the G3 Theo Marks Stakes at Rosehill on 13 September, with Ethan Brown booked to ride.
Among the other talented gallopers given quiet trials behind the leaders were Group 3 winner Semana (Winning Rupert), Group-performed Farnicle (Farnan), and Listed winner Political Debate (So You Think {NZ}).
Kintyre too strong in front in Heat 1
The Gary Portelli-trained dual Group winner Kintyre (Hallowed Crown) was strong throughout Heat 1, as he dominated the open trial over 1200 metres, leading all the way under jockey Molly Bourke.
He was enjoying his work in his second trial this preparation, with Sosino (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}) sitting outside him, and Subarctic (So You Think {NZ}) trailing behind. Not much changed in the run, and Kintyre kicked hard to defeat Sosino by just under four lengths, with Subarctic running third.
Video: Watch the replay for Kintyre, video courtesy of Racing NSW
Most of the field was staying types, and not many were placed under significant pressure throughout the trial.
Kintyre is one of two stakes winners produced by his dam Mull Over (So You Think {NZ}), the other being G1 Golden Slipper winner Fireburn (Rebel Dane).
In recent years, Mull Over has produced a 3-year-old colt named Kilbrannan (Pierata), who has been placed on the track, and a Rebel Dane yearling filly. Unfortunately, she most recently slipped to Zoustar.
Sparklenglitter wins, while Beadman flashes home for fourth
Heat 3, an open trial over 790 metres, may not have been won by the promising Peter Snowden-trained Beadman (Snitzel), but he certainly had the flashing light on him when running fourth.
Beadman at Warwick Farm | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
The winner was the unbeaten Sparklenglitter (All Too Hard), trained by Pat Murphy at Goulburn. The promising mare led the field along at a strong tempo throughout and held on to win by just under half a length.
Listed-winning sprinter Headley Grange (Exosphere) was solid, chasing hard into second, while Braveheart (I Am Invincible) ducked through along the inside nicely to finish third. Beadman and Too Darn Lizzie (Too Darn Hot {GB}) ran fourth and fifth, respectively, finishing strongly after being given nice, quiet rides.
Point Score leads all the way
Heat 4 held plenty of interest with Group 1 winner El Castello (Castelvecchio), and stakes winners Willaidow (Shamus Award) and Autumn Boy (The Autumn Sun) among the field.
But it was the lesser-known Point Score (Blue Point {Ire}), trained by Amanda Turner, who led all the way for a comfortable win by just over half a length under Private Harry's (Harry Angel {Ire}) regular jockey Ashley Morgan.
The good-looking Blue Point (Ire) colt was a debut winner at Kembla Grange back in May, and after a couple of disappointing runs, it appears the break has done him a world of good as he returned looking strong.
Video: Watch the replay for Point Score, video courtesy of Racing NSW
Group 3 winner Willaidow shared the lead on the outside and was strong through the line in second, while the well-bred President (I Am Invincible) trialled nicely, finishing third.
El Castello, after jumping well from a wide gate, was snagged back by Joshua Parr and worked home fairly. Meanwhile, Autumn Boy, ridden by Jason Collett, was given a quiet trial and was full of running to finish seventh. The Chris Waller-trained unbeaten galloper looks to have returned in great condition and should be ready to hit the track shortly.
