Temple Of Boom is on track to return to the races in the 2015 Aurie’s Star Handicap at Flemington next weekend after he recorded an impressive barrier trial win at Royal Randwick this morning.
Temple Of Boom will have the chance to return to winning form in the Aurie’s Star Handicap at Flemington next week. Photo by: Daniel Costello
Temple Of Boom contested the third barrier trial of the morning over 850 meters and he was taken straight to the lead by jockey Winona Costin to taking up the running from Speak Fondly and Amicus.
Speak Fondly was under pressure a long way from home and she was asked for an extra effort, but she was no match for Temple Of Boom and the veteran sprinter raced away from his rivals to record an impressive barrier trial win.
Temple Of Boom has not recorded a race win since he took out the Group 2 Victory Stakes (1200m) in April of last year, but he performed well without winning in races like the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1350m) during the 2015 Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival.
While Temple Of Boom recorded an impressive win in the barrier trial, arguably the most impressive performer was Gai Waterhouse-trained English, who found the line strongly in the final stages of the trial without being asked for an extra effort.
English stamped herself as a filly to watch when she took out the Group 2 Reisling Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick on March 7 and she finished a game second behind stablemate Vancouver in the Group 1 Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens on March 21 before she was sent to the spelling paddock following her sixth place finish in the Group 1 Sires Produce Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on April 6.
Talented Godolphin galloper Sweynesse looked in outstanding condition as he headed to the barriers before the start of the trial, but he was given a very easy time and not asked for an extra effort by jockey James McDonald.
Sweynesse was unable to record a race win during the 2015 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival after finishing second in both the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens on February 21 and the Group 1 Royal Randwick Guineas (1600m) on March 7 and he has been set for the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) and possibly the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) during the 2015 Spring Racing Carnival.
2014 Crown Oaks runner-up Thunder Lady, racing in the colours of new owner Sir Owen Glenn, and 2015 Australian Oaks winner Gust Of Wind both contested the barrier trial, but were kept at the tail of the field throughout.
Both fillies will be included in the nominations for the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m), but will need to take a step-up as four-year-olds to be competitive in either races.
