PREPARATIONS FOR SPRING RAMP UP

Spring names returning at Trials

A number of big Group One horses will be returning to the track on Tuesday with the likes of Icebath, Forbidden Love, Count De Rupee and Mo’Unga all slated to take part in trials at Randwick over the shorter 900m distance.

Annabel Neasham trained Mo’Unga is the first big name from the stable who will be out to defend his Group One title in the Winx Stakes on August 20th. 

The Neasham stable has a few options for the weight for age specialist and her assistant Todd Pollard believes he’s right on course for a big spring.

“He’s going really well and he’s going around in heat one at the trials on Tuesday morning,” Pollard said.

“He’s coming up quite well and he’ll have two trials before kicking off in the Winx Stakes.”

Mo’Unga finished fourth in the Cox Plate last year and his early performances will decide whether he goes down the same route again.

“He beat Verry Elleegant in the Winx Stakes last year and although we always looked to stretch him out to 2000m he ran so well in a fresh state and 1400m to a mile seems to be when he goes best,” Pollard said.

“He’ll go through the usual path again throughout the spring.

“I’d imagine he could still be aimed at the Cox Plate but there are a heap of races for him at a mile first. There’s plenty of options.”

Stable mate Zaaki is another runner the team have high hopes for however with only just coming back from the paddock to their Warwick farm base the Winx Stakes is likely to come to soon for the multiple Group One winner.

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