Spring prospects shine in Randwick trials

Godolphin’s head Australian trainer James Cummings sent 22 horses to trials at Randwick on Tuesday, August 8, and came away with a Derby prospect confirmed and with a range of major Spring stakes hopes taking solid shape.

Sanctioned, a son of Teofilo described by Cummings as “a mouth-watering” colt before this latest appearance, showed speed and tenacity to easily win his barrier trial and will now head toward the Classics.

“He has thrived after a brief initial preparation. I’d love to think he’s one of our leading Derby contenders,” Cummings said.

Sanctioned is scheduled to return to racing in the early Spring three-year-old races in Sydney before a possible Derby campaign in Melbourne.

Among others to show out at Randwick were the former French runner Interlocuter, G1 Golden Rose candidate Kementari, G1 Epsom Handicap hope Spectroscope and the classy mare Ghisoni, who missed her Autumn preparation but appears to have returned to full fitness.

Interlocuter comfortably won his trial, running past a couple of handy performers under his own steam as did Spectroscope who finished third in his trial.

“Interlocuter was very sharp and looks to be in great shape to return in the G2 Show County Stakes on Saturday week,” said assistant trainer Darren Beadman from the trials.

“I thought Spectroscope was also impressive, he worked home nicely after looking to have peaked with 300 to run and Ghisoni also trialled really well in one of the better heats.”

A winner of four of her seven starts, Ghisoni will be aimed at the major Spring fillies and mares races.

The Randwick session also showcased the champion mare Winx who tuned up for her August 19 Spring reappearance in the G2 Warwick Stakes with her first-ever trial win.