HIGHLY promising sprinter Galibier faces his toughest test at The TOTE Racing Centre in Launceston tonight where he will attempt to stamp himself as a genuine Newmarket prospect.
The David and Scott Brunton-trained gelding was touted as a possible Newmarket candidate by co-trainer Scott Brunton after the gelding scored an effortless win in class two company in Hobart just over two weeks ago.
Tonight he will step out in a strong class four handicap over 1100 metres but will have to contend with carrying top weight of 59 kilograms and a wide gate (15).
Senior partner in the training combination David Brunton is confident Galibier will deliver some top performances this season but he won’t be searching for the razor blades if the gelding can’t deliver tonight.
“The horse has a lot of ability but winning the Newmarket is not the end of the world,” Brunton said.
“We had Punctuate in last year’s race and he ran third but he copped eight rating points for running third and he hasn’t won a race since.”
“The horse probably deserves a crack at the Newmarket and I think he has what it takes to win one but there are plenty of other options if we don’t go that way,” he said.
While there is some doubt about Galibier making his way to the Newmarket he will be very competitive tonight.
He should only have to reproduce the form that took him to victory last start to make his presence felt at the business end of the race.
One of the most logical dangers is Heaven’s Choice that will carry only 51 kilograms courtesy of a three-kilogram claim for in-form apprentice Bulent Muhcu who comes off a double in Hobart last Sunday.
The other main hopes are Beau Vallon, Predator, Couple Of Cowboys and Merit’s Respect that has good first-up form.