Another round of trials have been held around the country over the past week and OTI was well-represented in many of them. The highlights of our week included:
WALLENBERG
This unraced son of Shamus Award jumped out at Pakenham this morning and was quite impressive, leading from go to whoa and holding his opposition at bay in the run to the line.
The 3yo half-brother to Group 1 Epsom Handicap winner Ellsberg may need another trial for fitness and education before a race debut and shows sufficient ability at this stage to believe he will win his share of races.
Wallenberg wins his trail at Pakenham (OTI silks).
CALEANA
Jumping out down the back straight at Cranbourne on Monday, Caleana proved too strong for his combatants. A 3yo gelded son of Calyx who has had his share of hiccups, Caleana is well versed on the jumpout scene, having had a handful of experiences across three educational preparations prior to Monday’s test. He showed again on Monday that he has strengthened and is nearing a race debut.
In the softer conditions, he jumped well and travelled sweetly under his own steam, moving away from his rivals towards the line. When the Price Kent Racing team elects to push the button, he is sure to prove most competitive.
Caleana wins his trial at Cranbourne (OTI silks).
SEA TRADER
While not winning his jumpout, Sea Trader was eye-catching in the run to the line at Cranbourne on Monday, given he lost a substantial amount of ground at the barriers. Yet to race, Sea Trader showed his professionalism weaving between tiring runners late as he made ground on the leading few. Watch his trial here.
In the care of Robbie Griffiths, our 2-year-old son of Hanseatic is showing great promise. Regardless of whether he makes the races this time, he is one to watch out for moving forward.
EAGLEMONT
A name familiar to OTI followers is Eaglemont, now an 8yo with Matthew Dunn at Murwillumbah. Eaglemont tuned up for another full racing preparation with a trial win at Beaudesert, his second trial win in succession.
A 38-start veteran now, Eaglemont is well-used to trials, and he showed professionalism late at Beaudesert, getting the upper hand on one rival and clearing out the remainder of the field. Hopefully, he can return to the form that had him competitive in the Little Dance in the spring of 2023. He has been a grand old campaigner for connections and continues to enjoy his work.
Eaglemont wins his trial at Beaudesert (OTI silks).
ALMONZO
Rarely do you see the progeny of Almanzor perform over distances as short as 800m, but the impression our 2yo named Almonzo made in finishing 3rd at that distance range in his trial at Newcastle on April 2 was a very good one. Watch his trial here (trial 10).