SPREYTON trainer Barry Campbell has earned the title of King of the two-year-olds in recent seasons and his good run could continue at Tattersall’s Park in Hobart today where the TRC hosts the first 2YO race of the season.
Campbell will saddle up two of his team of about 16 two-year-olds today in The Gateway Shopping Centre Debutante 2YO Plate over 900 metres (Race 3).
Siorca (Sharkbite-Chrome Magic) and Specialist (Bianconi-Adan) both trialed well at Longford last Thursday week with Siorca winning his trial over Ariconte while Specialist was second to Strathalbyn in his trial but beaten a half-head.
Siorca was an early foal (08/09/2012) and well matured, which was evident when he presented at his trial on November 06.
The gelding was bred by Aceland Stud and offered at a dispersal sale at which most Tasmanian trainers walked away with bargains.
Siorca wasn’t pushed right out to win his trial and should he take that trial form into today’s race he will be very hard to beat.
Strathalbyn, from the John Blacker stable, also was impressive in winning his trial defeating Specialist and Bella Abati that also are engaged in today’s race.
The winning margin was only narrow but it was the way Strathalbyn toughed it out when challenged that impressed the most.
Strathalbyn is by Haradasun from the Thunder Gulch mare Parity and is owned by the Bingley family.
However all of the aforementioned youngsters have to travel from the North-West and the North so enduring spending 2-1/2 and 3-1/2 hour trips respectively to the track by road could be a determining factor in the outcome.
Paul and Elizabeth Geard will be represented by four of their breed in Geegees Gran Lodge (Wordsmith-La Quita) that is a full brother to Geegees Velvet; Gee Gees Top Notch (Wordsmith-Himstedt); Geegees Double Jo (Wordsmith-Josie’s Double) and Geegees Lillybet (Clangalang- Libby’s Girl).
Geegees Gran Lodge was placed at his past two trials in Hobart, the latest behind Colonial Coaster last Tuesday, while Gee Gees Top Notch has trialed only once for a win over Geegees Double Jo on October 31 winning by 1.3 lengths with Geegees Gran Lodge third and not pushed out over the final 200m.
Geegees Lillybet won her first trial in Hobart on October 14 defeating Strathalbyn but she was fourth in the trial won by Gee Gees Top Notch on October 31.
The first two-year-old ace for the season always creates plenty of interest with owners, some of whom are realising an involvement for the first time, eager to watch their young steeds in action for the first time.
The Goodwood Handicap is the feature raced on the eight-event card with top weight Geegees Blackflash sure to have his share of support despite the race being too short for him to being the punters’ favourite.
Last season’s Group 3 Bow Mistress winner Isibaeva should make her presence felt and the Scott Brunton-trained Havana Stash steps up to top company for the first time but he would only need to bring his form from last season to the races to be very hard to beat.
Havana Stash hasn’t raced since winning an open handicap in Launceston in July but he has trialed once for a win over father Ned and Incumblonde over 900 metres on October 31.