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Alpine Blast impresses trainer at Longford

Alpine Blast - a gelding from the first-crop of Armidale Stud-based first-season sire Alpine Eagle (High Chaparral) - became the first trial winner for the stallion when he landed a 700 metre trial at Longford on Tuesday. 

Having finished fourth in his first trial over 800 metres at Launceston, the John Blacker-trained gelding showed maturity to cruise to a two and a half length victory over Oxy Dream (Stinchar), clocking a time of 41.50 seconds. 

“He improved from his first trial and hit the line well today,” said Blacker. “He has a great temperament and has indicated that he’s ready, so if he pulls up well tomorrow, we’ll aim to start him in the first Tasmanian two-year-old race at Hobart over 900 metres on Sunday.

“I’m a big fan of Alpine Eagle and purchased eight yearlings by him at the sales this year. This horse really caught my eye as being one of the nicest colts at the sale, and although you wouldn’t expect the Alpine Eagles to be early two-year-old’s, he’s putting his hand up and will only get better at three.”

Purchased by his trainer for $45,000 at the 2020 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale, the gelding is out of winning Pentire (Be My Guest) mare Rose Of Woorim, who is herself a 2012 Oakleigh Plate (Gr 1, 1100m) winner Woorim (Show A Heart). 

Alpine Eagle is standing at Armidale Stud for a fee of $5,500 (plus GST).