Trainers Peter and Dawn Williams are setting their sights on a promising spring campaign for three-year-old gelding Geldof after his impressive 1050m trial win at Ruakaka on Tuesday.
Jockey Jasmine Fawcett guided the son of U S Navy Flag to victory, leading from start to finish and holding off Group Two winner Aquacade.
Peter Williams expressed his satisfaction, saying, “We haven't pushed him, we gave him a trial at Waipa, and he had another day out today, and I was very happy with him.”
Geldof had previously impressed as a juvenile when he won on debut, and his trainers are pleased with his development as he enters his three-year-old preparation.
Williams added, “I reckon he has come back really good. His first trial he was up against the open handicappers, Warren (Kennedy, jockey) didn't knock him around and just went around on him.
“We pushed the button a little bit today to see where he is at. He has pulled up well, so he will be ready for a race in two or three weeks.”
Looking ahead, a Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) campaign is on the horizon for Geldof, who is currently priced at +3000 in the futures market for the Christchurch three-year-old feature.
Williams stated, “He is going there if we can get him there. He will probably only have two or three runs before the Guineas if he does go.
“He has got plenty of time up his sleeve. I will just play it by ear at this stage. He will have a go at one of the three-year-old races before he goes, if he is good enough.”
In the same stable, Highly Anticipated is gearing up for her debut at Cambridge's synthetic meeting on Wednesday.
Peter Williams expressed some caution, noting, “We are hoping that she is just running on. She has only had the one trial, and we have decided to go to the synthetic to give her a run. She is quite a slow learner. She is going to take two to three runs before she shows her form.”
Looking ahead to the Te Rapa meeting on Sunday, the stable has nominated two contenders, including Our Tristabelle.
“Our Tristabelle will definitely go. She has done everything right since she has raced. If we got a wet track, it would help a bit,” Williams confirmed.
“She has only had 15 races and won five, so on her day she is quite good. She has just got to get the right track on the right day.”