A $1.6 million Snitzel colt has impressed in his maiden public appearance during the season’s first official two-year-old trials.
The Gerald Ryan-trained Chauffeur, the top buy at this year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling sale, was narrowly beaten by the Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Invader in an 850m heat at Randwick on Monday.
But it was his less expensive stablemate Condor Heroes who stole the show, winning his trial by 9-1/4 lengths in the fastest time of the morning.
While pleased with both colts, Ryan said Chauffeur would have break while, all being well, Condor Heroes would head to the Breeders’ Plate on October 1.
Ryan and owner Damion Flower won a Group One race with Snitzel and are looking to continue his rich legacy as a stallion with Chauffeur.
“It’s only the third time he’s been out of the barriers because I don’t drive them up the wall,” Ryan said.
“Terrific trial. I’m really happy with him.
“He will have a break and will be aimed at the Magic Millions in January.
“Condor Heroes will go to the Breeders’ Plate. He did what I expected except I didn’t expect him to win by that much.”
By Not A Single Doubt, Condor Heroes cost $190,000.
Invader is also a Snitzel colt and a sibling of Not Listenin’tome, a Group One-placed horse in Australia who has been competitive at the top level in Hong Kong since being transferred there to race.
Hawkes Racing-trained Showtime, another Sniztel colt, was knocked down for $1.1 million at the Magic Millions sale and finished second in a separate heat on Monday.
Co-trainer Michael Hawkes said Showtime, a full-brother to Sweet Idea, would be a chance to make his debut in the Listed Breeders’ Plate at Randwick on October 1.
“As long as he comes through the run good we’ll head towards the Breeders’, but if there’s one inkling that he’s not then he’ll go to the paddock,” Hawkes said.
Trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott appear to have a number of classy juveniles in their first season in partnership.
Mystic Empire was a close third in her trial and could start in the Listed Gimcrack Stakes on October 1 while Chain Of Fools showed her pace to win another heat by more than seven lengths.
Godolphin two-year-olds Jorda, Tiki Bar, Piracy and Astoria all won their trials.