A top morning’s work at the Barrier Trials in Newcastle on Monday morning for Trainer Darren Smith and a few of his Team Dynamic runners as a few of our Autumn hopefuls went through their paces.
We had five trial on the morning for 3 winners and a close up placed runner and another just having a blow out before his raceday assignment at Rosehill this coming Saturday.
Headline horse ATOMIC FORCE our Dual Gr1 winning sprinter and dual Newcastle Horse Of The Year was seen to advantage for his first public display since an injury prematurely ceased his Spring campaign.
Josh Parr aboard ATOMIC FORCE this morning at Newcastle
The outstanding sprinter had a real easy time without being extended by quality horseman Josh Parr where the pair cruised around without Josh letting go of the breaks. Josh reported “Tommy feels terrific and Darren had the horse in Tip Top condition”. Darren Smith his trainer couldn’t be happier with this effort since this was only his 3rd serious gallops this preparation. Tommy will have another more serious trial in about a fortnight where a decision will be made whether to head to Melbourne for the Newmarket or remain in Sydney for the Challenge Stakes the following week.
Another to impress trial watchers was the strong trial effort of MIDNIGHT AT ASCOT who also had his first trial back after an injury in Melbourne in the Spring. Scotty developed an issue with his wind which required surgery however it appears he is back to his very best. This morning he had a real soft time of it, sitting in behind the speed on the fence and worked strongly to the line under a tight hold. Ridden by Josh Parr, he reported the horse felt terrific and wasn’t asked for an effort and was in good order. He too will have another trial before heading towards some nice races in Sydney over the carnival.
A happy Josh Parr on Midnight at Ascot returning after his trial
Another Dynamic galloper to have his first up trial this morning was EXCELLENT POINT who impressed his trainer and rider with a strong win. Excellent Point was only there for a fitness blow out but he sat at the girth of the leader early, before a strong finish under a stranglehold saw him hit the line powerfully. He couldn’t be held any slower. He has plenty of upside and looks to have a nice preparation in front of him with the benefit of a second trial under his belt in a fortnight.
EXCELLENT POINT was another trial winner for Dynamic this morning
Also at the trials Dynamic unveiled for the first time the unraced 3yo half brother to Midnight At Ascot named CURFEW. He was ultra impressive in his trial win. Settling back off the pace, he was peeled to the centre of the track on straightening before the horse was asked for an effort by Josh Parr and the pair went whoosh ! His final furlong was outstanding before being eased up and given a soft time the last 50m. Josh reported that he went terrific and has so much improvement in him with race experience and fitness. The trainer and connections have always had a big opinion of this horse and he has similar style and displays similar ability as his older Dynamic sibling.
Dynamic are excited to see CURFEW hit the racetrack soon
Also trialling this morning was SUPERIOR INSTINCT who had an easy time with Josh Parr in the saddle because the pair team up on Saturday at Rosehill in a Bm 85 1200m. He is back in good order and will be very competitive at trips over 1400m – 1600m in the months ahead.
SUPERIOR INSTINCT will run this Saturday for Team Dynamic
Trialing on Tuesday morning at Randwick will be BLOWIN’ YOUR MIND for Chris Waller.
BLOWIN' YOUR MIND trials at Randwick tomorrow
Then on Wednesday, our last start winner FULL BLAST for trainer Darren Smith will run at Canterbury with Hugh Bowman aboard.
FULL BLAST will be looking for back to back wins
Thursday TRICK SHOT will head to Gosford in a Class 2 1600m event off the back of her last start close up third placing in town for her trainer Chris Waller.
TRICK SHOT will be on the quick backup on Thursday
Then on Saturday we are excited about the return of the very promising and beautifully bred filly SECRET DELIGHT. The David Payne trained 3yo filly will contest the Gr2 Light Fingers Stakes 1200m, whilst on the same programme, this morning’s trailer Superior Instinct will also head to the track in the Bm 85 1200m. Josh Parr will pilot both these runners.
SECRET DELIGHT resumes Saturday in the Gr2 Light Fingers
Overall we are delighted with the progress our team are making and excited about the weeks and months ahead.