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Chris Scholtz reviews the Sydney barrier trials at Warwick Farm on February 4.
WARWICK FARM February 4
Soft 6/Inside Grass.
15 Heats – Heats 1-2 1200m (1 Open; 1 Mixed C2-Maiden); Heats 3-8 807m (3 Open; 3 2YO); Heats 9-15 804m (2 2YO; 1 Open; 1 3YO Open; 3 Maiden).
NOTED TRIALS
XXX Fiery Red
XX Archedemus; Fiesta
X Miss Antares; Manicure; Caprera; Norton; Selective; Kaonic; Singles; Sally Day; Torrid; True Detective; Chicago Bull; Glamour Factor; Now Or Never; Bondi Boy; Charm Offensive; Lord Heron.
Fiery Red (Waterhouse/Bott): This Pierro colt is one smart 2YO who has really benefited from his time since he debuted in the Breeders Plate in September, this being his second trial win in two weeks after a soft victory that we noted at Randwick on January 24. This time he really showed a touch of class with the way he led his 804m heat under restraint and easily went up a gear in the last 200m that saw him put several lengths on his rivals in a twinkling, clocking an extra smart last 600m (33.8). Rated among the stable’s best youngsters.
Archedemus (Gwenda Markwell): Rarely get excited about 1200m trials but this could be an exception as there was a lot to like about the way this Kembla Grange-trained 5YO went about his work in the soft ground to comfortably win his heat with plenty up his sleeve. He sat off the leader until turning for home before extending powerfully in the run to the line and the form looks reliable as there was a big space to the others that included good Group horses Brimham Rocks, Patrick Erin and Auvray. He has won two from four at the provincials and they include a huge nine lengths win at Kembla in December, notably on a soft track. Definitely city class.
Fiesta (Chris Waller): Top class filly had plenty to offer finishing third in her 807m heat. She was never asked for an effort over the last 300m but still ran through the line strongly in a hitout that will top her off nicely for her pending return after an equally good trial win over 800m at Warwick Farm on January 22.
