By Neil Evans
It’s a first-up assignment more reserved for Northern Hemisphere-based gallopers, but a tough Rosehill three-year-old is set to conquer a staying trip nearly 12 weeks since his last run.
War Ribbon hasn’t started since finishing second in a benchmark 68 handicap over 2300m at Newcastle in late November, and remains very sparingly raced. But he opened a $2.70 favourite with regular jockey Keegan Latham aboard for a benchmark 64 handicap over 2100m at Wyong on Thursday.
War Ribbon will tackle a tough assignment at Wyong.Credit: Jenny Evans
Before finishing second at Newcastle, War Ribbon had led all the way to romp home in a class 1 at the same track over a similar trip, running a race-record time as a hot favourite.
Yet, given his natural desire to eat up ground, it’s still hard to believe he’s won just once from six starts after making his debut almost a year ago. Mind you, no galloper on the program comes with a more imposing pedigree, and it’s easy to see why trainer David Payne is confident War Ribbon will relish this trip fresh.
He is a gelded son of UK group 1 winner Calyx (by super sire Kingman) and out of a German mare by group 1 superstar Montjeu, which, in one season, claimed the Irish Derby, Arc de Triomphe, Tatt’s Cup and King George in three countries.
War Ribbon was given a very easy lead up trial over 1030m, and has already shown he’s equally capable on firm or soft ground.
Speaking of pedigree, in the opening race at Wyong, imported mare Guinevere’s Spirit is set to improve enough and claim her breakthrough win at only a second Australian start.
A well bred five-year-old daughter of powerhouse UK sire Camelot in the Kris Lees stable at Newcastle, Guinevere’s Spirit suffered heat stress when tackling a handy maiden on the Kensington track four weeks ago. That first-up run came nearly 16 months after she finished out of a place on debut in Ireland on a very heavy track.
Tackling a modest maiden plate over a mile, Guinevere’s Spirit was being kept safe by bookmakers, opening a $1.70 favourite, well ahead of Ciao Bella Mia on the second line at $4.
Baker’s stars return at Randwick
Bjorn Baker-trained stars Stefi Magnetica and O’ Ole will be among those to trial at Randwick on Thursday as they build towards group 1 targets.
Stradbroke Handicap champion Stefi Magnetica, having her first trial back, is set to resume in the Canterbury Stakes on March 8 before runs in the George Ryder Stakes and Doncaster Mile.
“She’s looking great, so I’m looking forward to her trialling,” Baker said.
Magic Millions Classic winner O’ Ole, 29th in the Golden Slipper order of entry, will have a hit-out before heading to Caulfield for the group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes on Saturday week, where Damian Lane is booked to ride.
“She seems in great order, so the plan tomorrow is to get back, get a bit of cover and finish off,” Baker said.
Internationals line up for autumn carnival
A trio from British trainer William Haggas’ stable are among seven international horses nominated for features during Sydney’s autumn carnival.
Dubai Honour, which won the Ranvet Stakes and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 2023, is the headline act for Haggas, who is also bringing Desert Hero and Al Mubhir. Desert Hero, owned by King Charles III, will target the Queen Elizabeth Stakes or Sydney Cup. Al Mubhir has been entered for the Doncaster Mile and the Queen Elizabeth.
Japanese trainers are also sending contenders: Geoglyph, for Tetsuya Kimura, is entered for the Doncaster; Hiroyasu Tanaka’s Rousham Park will chase the Queen Elizabeth Stakes; and Yukio Inagaki’s Tosen Jordan the Sydney Cup.
UK trainer James Ferguson will bring the other international, sprinter Mrs Morrell.
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au
