One of Australia’s standout juveniles from last season, Coleman, will hold off on his return to racing for another two weeks, skipping the Carlyon Stakes at Moonee Valley this Saturday.
Instead, the talented colt will launch his spring campaign in the Group 1 AJ Moir Stakes (1000m) at the same track and distance on September 7.
Trainer Matt Laurie plans to trial Coleman over 800 metres at Cranbourne on Monday to fine-tune his preparation.
The Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) and Group 1 ATC Sires’ (1400m) placegetter had his first experience on The Valley circuit Tuesday morning, which Laurie described as an essential step before his return, likely to be followed by the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) on September 27.
“Last (preparation) he was a bit fierce, but that trip taught him how to do things correctly,” Laurie said.
“He’s not charging up on the bridle, like he could do in the past, he’s a bit more mature in the brain. I’m happy with how he’s training.
“He’s moving really well but there’s going to be some really sharp horses in this race, and you’re hoping that he’s going to be the sort of horse that is coming at them pretty hard late.”