Adam Trinder achieved success in Melbourne as a jumps jockey and now hopes Valiant Warrior can land him his first Victorian winner as a trainer.
The Tasmanian horseman is looking forward to three-year-old Valiant Warrior stepping out in Saturday’s Dalray Handicap (1100m) at Flemington having won six of his eight starts in his home state.
Trinder has been training for four years at Spreyton and has prepared 51 winners in Tasmania this season.
His career in the saddle included winning a Grand National Hurdle and Grand National Steeplechase at Sandown and two Hiskens Steeplechases at Moonee Valley, while he also had a few wins at Flemington including the 2006 Crisp Steeplechase on Manzeal.
Trinder said it would be great if Valiant Warrior could snare him his first interstate win as a trainer.
“Especially at Headquarters,” Trinder said.
“I enjoyed riding there in my previous career and it’s the home of the Melbourne Cup, so if we can get a result there it would definitely be a tick on the bucket list.”
Valiant Warrior will be first-up on Saturday and is due to travel to Melbourne by ferry overnight on Thursday.
The gelding, who has had two barrier trial wins leading into his return, has only been out of the placings once and Trinder believes he can measure up in the late-season race for three-year-olds.
“I trust he’s the right horse,” Trinder, who has had four previous Victorian starters, said.
“He’s done everything that he can here in Tassie and I’m really pleased with the way he has come up this time.
“It looks a suitable race providing he travels well and handles the conditions of the straight.
“I’m really looking forward to it.”
Trinder considers Valiant Warrior the benchmark sprinting three-year-old in Tasmania up to 1200m.
“Admiral beat him at 1400 metres and he went on to run fifth in the Australian Guineas in Melbourne,” Trinder said.
“But at five to six furlongs his record speaks for itself and he’s pretty much unbeatable (in Tasmania).”
Valiant Warrior’s opposition includes the Mick Kent-trained Supido, last start Listed placegetter Rough Justice and the Andrew Noblet-trained Lord Esprit who ran well for a close second to Rough Justice first-up last month.
