SPREYTON trainer Mark Ganderton will aim his eight-year-old Testa Grande at the Newmarket Handicap as a step towards tackling the weight-for-age thetote.com.au Stakes late next month.
Ganderton made the call after the gelding won a barrier trial in a slogging four-way go to the line at The TOTE Racing Centre in Launceston today (Thursday).
Testa Grande has not started since he finished down the track in the 2008 Canberra Cup, although he was attempting to make it back-to-back wins in the $200,000 quality handicap over 2000m.
Testa Grande appears to have shrugged off the ailments that had him sidelined for almost three years to the day .
Testa Grande contested a four-horse trial with Michael Guthrie in the saddle and emerged triumphant by a neck over Speed Control with Lyell a head ay third with Final Verdict a close-up fourth.
Testa Grande was a $100,000 yearling sold at the Conrad Jupiter Magic Millions Yearling Sale in 2005.
Listen to what trainer Mark Ganderton had to say about Testa Grande’s trail win – click here .
trail result – click here .