This Thursday at Pakenham could turn out to be an exciting evening for connections, with Upwoods making his Australian debut at the night meeting.
The Price/Kent trained 3yo gelding Upwoods travelled over from New Zealand late last year after his one career start returned a 3rd placing. The form from this race has proven very solid. The winner contested a Group 3 race at his next start, while the 2nd placegetter has subsequently been placed at Group 2 level.
After a short spell post arrival in Melbourne, the 3yo has had three trials in preparation for his first start, his latest at his home track of Cranbourne where he finished fourth. “He went much better in his last trial, straight into the barriers, jumped well and travelled good throughout. He’s definitely a stayer and travels through his gears so he will need a bit of distance to show his best. I think the race day pressure will certainly help him a little at his first start over 1600m and hopefully we can see a positive performance. He’s a nice horse.” said Kent Jnr after his last trial at the end of April.
Looking back to his race in New Zealand where he travelled well on a heavy track, Thursday’s surface should be no issue for him. He will be ridden by Jordan Childs carrying 59.5kg.
See the full field and all race details here.
Hopefully we can see a positive first Australian performance from the gelding.
Best of luck to all connections!