TALENTED sprinter Galibier moved a step closer to tackling the state’s most prestigious sprint race the Newmarket Handicap after he scored an impressive win in a class four handicap over 1100 metres at The TOTE Racing Centre in Launceston tonight (Wednesday).
The David and Scott Brunton-trained gelding raced outside of the leader before rider Brendon McCoull urged his charge to extend nearing the home turn.
Galibier quickly put two lengths on his rivals and then proceeded to extend that margin over the final 200 metres.
Galibier hit the line about four lengths clear of Heartbreak Lass with the winner’s stablemate Camalleri a close-up third.
Co-trainer Scott Brunton said Galibier was an exciting horse with plenty of scope for improvement.
“There is no doubt we are looking at the Newmarket with this horse but we are happy to concentrate on his next mission which is another class four in Hobart in a fortnight,” Scott Brunton said.
“The horse is doing all we have asked of him this time in but there is still a bit to do if he is to go to the next level,” he said.
McCoull was full of praise for Galibier.
“He is leaving the barriers really well this preparation and that is something he was lacking last time in,” McCoull said.
The $90,000 Newmarket will be run over 1200 metres in Launceston under lights on November 21.