Progressive galloper Amaroo Star took some notable scalps and sounded a warning ahead of his raceday reappearance when successful in a 1000m Belmont trial on Monday morning.
Beginning brilliantly, the four-year-old used his inside barrier to take a comfortable one-length lead in the early stages of his fast-class heat with proven performer Sensessional to his outside.
Under a kind ride from apprentice jockey Giaan O’Donnell, Amaroo Star merely coasted through the trial but recorded the quickest overall time of the meeting at 59.80 seconds, beating Sensessional by a half-length.
For reference, both Sensessional and Sherpa Express – who finished third – have been placed in Listed races at their last two starts, endorsing the ceiling of the 80-rated Amaroo Star.
“He’s in for a good prep,” said his trainer, Simon Miller.
“He’s a consistent horse and I’m not sure if he’ll trial again or race, but he’ll need a claim if he races.”
Miller said the preparation would be aimed towards the $100,000 Jolly Beggar Stakes (1000m) on August 29.
The gelding experienced a breakout campaign when last in work, winning his first three starts before a sixth placing at the end of February.
“He’s a lot quieter at home this time around,” Miller said.
“He had been working well, so it’s no surprise he trialled so well.”
The leading trainer will produce Madhi Girl in Saturday’s Listed $125,000 H G Bolton Sprint (1200m) at what could be her final run for current connections.
The $450,000 earner has been entered in an online sale which goes live on Friday prior to the race and concludes next Wednesday.
Later, speedy conveyance Niccimota rushed away to win by almost eight lengths in clearly the next fastest time of the morning.
Renowned for her early speed and having never participated in a race or trial beyond 1000m, the Nicconi four-year-old had a one-length lead at the 400m mark but charged away late to an emphatic victory.
In Sydney, superstar mare Autumn Glow returned in a 900m trial, finishing third behind Napoleonic and Ninja.
Napoleonic scored by more than five lengths, but the eye was drawn to Autumn Glow, who made smooth progress under James McDonald to pass Chris Waller-trained stablemates Lady Shenandoah and Autumn Boy.
“Today is about just blowing out the cobwebs and keeping them mentally right and ticking over,” Waller said.
“They are just out for very quiet trials. There’s still a long way to go.
“We will start tuning them up after their second trials.”
+ Leap To Fame’s owner Kevin Seymour has confirmed the rising eight-year-old will not be retired to stud this season and could return for another shot at a third Inter Dominion next year.
The Queenslander turned in arguably the greatest-ever losing performance by a pacer when running second to Captains Mistress in last weekend’s annual Inter Dominion.
The stallion would not need to retire until July 2027 to stand next year’s breeding season.
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