Trainer Tyler Donaldson-Aitken is poised to debut his first Group 1 runner, Welcometotheshow, at Caulfield.
The gelding, Welcometotheshow, is being aimed at the Toorak Handicap (1600m) this Saturday at Caulfield, a target set after his maiden Stakes race victory at Flemington on September 12.
On Thursday, Donaldson-Aitken took Welcometotheshow to Caulfield Heath for an easy trial over 1000 metres, where he finished sixth.
“There was a Group 1 horse in there that had performed well over a shorter distance, and it was in front of us,” Donaldson-Aitken said. “They went a bit slow early and it kicked away late, but Craig (Newitt) was happy with how he trialled.
“We wanted him to have a bit of a blow today. He hadn’t done any big pieces of work since he last raced in the Listed race at Flemington, so it was a good gallop for him.”
Donaldson-Aitken explained that the Toorak Handicap became a consideration after the gelding’s Flemington win. His current rating of 98 is expected to be sufficient for him to gain entry into the field.
“He’ll get in on the minimum, still a couple of points out of handicap, but you can’t really argue with 52 (kilos),” Donaldson-Aitken stated. “We’ve always liked him. It was lucky that he was passed in as a Ready To Run horse from our draft and we were able to train him, and he’s become what he is.
“He always keeps stepping up and as you lift the bar, he keeps stepping up to it and coming to Saturday, it’s another big step up again, so we’ll see how he goes.
“He’s good over a mile, and the goal for this preparation, ultimately, is to get him out over 2000 (metres).”
The trainer has also nominated the Five Diamonds Prelude at Randwick on October 24, followed by the Group 3 Five Diamonds (1800m) at Randwick on November 7, as potential races post-Toorak.
“He’s given us every indication that he will stay 2000 (metres), and Craig said he definitely will,” Donaldson-Aitken confirmed. “Once we get to 1800 then we can go to 2000 and if he can perform at that with a turn of foot, he’ll be dangerous again.”
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