The application of blinkers and a step up in distance have proven beneficial for improving colt Trenchant who has broken his maiden in style at Flemington.
The Godolphin-owned, John O’Shea-trained two-year-old was backing up from a Moonee Valley placing a week ago in Saturday’s Bay and Ranges Handicap.
Trenchant
After settling three-wide with cover under apprentice Michael Dee, Trenchant ($14) cruised up to hit the front passing the 300m before going on to win by 2-1/4 lengths over Curvature ($6) with another half length to Fast ‘n’ Rolling ($26) third.
Trenchant was wearing blinkers for the first time.
“The blinkers have definitely improved him a hell of a lot and also that extra 200 metres up to 1400 metres,” Dee said.
“He’s still green and he hit the front very early and wanted to look around. He’ll keep improving and get further.”
The win in the opening race on Saturday moved Dee to within five wins of leader Dylan Dunn in the Melbourne apprentices’ premiership.
O’Shea’s Melbourne stable representative David Charles said Trenchant had made rapid improvement in the past month, with Saturday’s race the colt’s third start after an unplaced finish in a Geelong maiden on debut before his Moonee Valley placing.
“It was John’s plan after he raced really well at Moonee Valley to come to Flemington, put the blinkers on and step up to the 1400 metres,” Charles said.
“We thought the step up in distance would really suit him.
“He’s an improving horse and we’ve always liked him from day one. He’s always shown he’s got some talent.”