Golden return in sights
AFTER just over six months in the paddock growing, Black River trainer Michelle Petrofski is confident Golden Guardian will return for an even better second preparation from today.
Last July the youngster ran a smart third in the $100,000 Townsville RSL QTIS 2YO Classic (1200m), finishing just over five lengths behind the winner, Paradis Imperial for Tony McMahon.
Golden Guardian put together an impressive first time in, grabbing two wins from five starts and never running worse than fourth.
“The scary part will be if we can get him back to that level that he showed early last year,” Petrofski said.
“He has shown dedication, you cannot fault him – he is a great horse to train. He does everything you ask for.”
The bay gelding is by Golden Archer, formerly trained by Sydney’s Peter Moody, out of Shamsie.
Golden Archer was a multiple stakes winner and finished third in the 2013 Group One Lightning Stakes behind stablemates Black Caviar and Moment Of Change.
Golden Guardian returns today in the $10,000 QTIS Three-Years-Old Handicap (1200m) and will carry the top- weight of 58.5kg at Townsville’s Cluden Park.
“That is the ultimate goal,” Petrofski said with a chuckle about returning to the track with a victory today.
“He has come back a little bit bigger.
“He has thickened up, a little bit stronger and he has put on around 30kg.
“He is a little bolter, he just puts in an effort every time.”
Reactant, who is trained by Townsville’s Alby Molino, will be hard to beat in the ThreeYears-Old Handicap this afternoon after winning at the track earlier this month over 1000m.
Petrofski has just three horses in work and is optimistic about her new two-year-old Otherside, who is likely to debut in March.
The first of six races jumps from 2.22pm today at Townsville.
Meanwhile, Tablelands hoop Wanderson D’Avila rode a winner at Rockhampton Jockey Club on Thursday for trainer Ricky Vale.
Apprentice Elyce Smith, who rode at Cannon Park on Tuesday, also secured a winner at Rockhampton just days after she piloted North Queensland star Tyzone to his first-up victory.