A race like the Listed Rosebud could become a significant target for dual Group placegetter Eviction Notice if the colt can conclude his two-year-old season with a win.
The Tulloch Lodge gelding secured placings in the Canonbury Stakes and Silver Slipper during the summer. He was then spelled after a midfield run in the Black Opal Stakes, a race taken out by Music Time, who would later finish second in the Golden Slipper.
He returned to racing in midweek grade at Warwick Farm earlier this month, aiming to break his maiden status, but faced a promising colt in Castillo King, trained by Michael Freedman.
“I think the winner was very good, and his was an honest run,” co-trainer Adrian Bott said.
“He’s come back very well and he’s doing things much better this preparation. That should help him sustain a longer ‘prep’, and open up a few options later on.”
Bott is aware that Eviction Notice will be on a short nine-day turnaround for Saturday’s Marcellin College Randwick Handicap (1100m), and under the weight conditions, he will concede up to five kilograms to his rivals.
However, provided the track continues to improve from its soft 7 rating on Thursday, Bott is hopeful the juvenile can achieve a victory before turning three on August 1.
“There are a few things against him, but he is better for that first run, and I thought that would end up being a pretty good form race,” Bott commented.
“He has been gelded this prep, which is where we’ve seen the biggest change mentally.
“He used to be in a bit of a rush at times. He’s got an abundance of speed, but it’s how he utilises that because at times, he was wanting to get the race over and done with.”
If Eviction Notice can perform well at Randwick, Bott indicated that early-season three-year-old stakes races, such as the Listed Rosebud (1100m) on August 15, would be considered.
“Those are options for him,” he said.
“We want to see him prove himself to get into those races again and try to give him a bit of confidence.
“Then you can take that mindset that he’s an experienced horse with a bit of fitness on his side going early into the spring before some of those other horses resume.”
Adam Hyeronimus has been booked to ride Eviction Notice from barrier eight.
The Marcellin College Randwick Handicap looks an interesting contest; explore betting markets for the race at your favourite racing betting markets provider.
