With the Pepper Tree Farm Breeders Challenge finals just over six weeks away it is no surprise to see a number of the leading chances hitting the track in preparation for the rich Gr. 1 events.
The two year old colts and geldings division will be dominated by the unbeaten Our Waikiki Beach and he returned to the trials at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Tuesday with a win in a time of 1:55.8.
A number of his main rivals have also trialled this week with Bathurst Gold Crown placegetter Sams The Master winning at Bathurst on Monday.
The son of Tell All proved too strong for Bathurst Gold Tiara winner Pixies Parlour in the trial rating 1:59.3 for the mile.
Hunter Valley trainer Sam Dimarco also welcomed back his two talented two year olds at the Newcastle trials on Wednesday night with Gold Crown winner Shadow Runner and Gotta Go Gold winning.
Dimarco is eyeing off the Breeders Challenge heats at Newcastle on Friday May 22nd with his well performed pair.
“Both of them did what was expected on Wednesday night and it should have topped them off nicely for Friday week,” said Dimarco.
“The weather wasn’t great so the times weren’t all that important but Gotta Go Gold won in 2:03 while Shadow Runner recorded 2:02.4 in his trial win.”
Dimarco confirmed the recent wet weather had affected their preparations.
“I wasn’t knocked around like some people were with damage to their properties and tracks but because of the rain and the amount of water around it meant that my horses couldn’t work for about four or five days so it set me back a little bit.
“The pair had only been back in work for a few days when the storm hit so I just had to stop and start again, I gave them a few weeks off after the Gold Crown and it has helped I think.”
Gotta Go Gold has grown more than Shadow Runner during the short break.
“The little fellow (Gotta Go Gold) definitely grew during the break and I’m really happy with how the big horse (Shadow Runner) is looking too, I’m looking forward to the Breeders Challenge."
“As soon as the series is over they will both go out for a longer spell, somewhere in the vicinity of two to three months.”
Dimarco’s daughter Marissa owns both but did not look to buy another after the family’s success at Bathurst.
“I tied her hands behind her back at the sales, she doesn’t need any others at the moment especially with these two horses doing such a good job."
“Marissa has some broodmares and will breed a couple in the short term, I think that will keep her busy for a little while.”
The first of the Pepper Tree Farm Breeders Challenge heats for the two year old colts and geldings will be conducted at Wagga on Saturday night.
The Col Thomas trained Bettermatch will race the smart Emma Stewart prepared Kingofthestars.
Greg Hayes – Harness Racing New South Wales