Rachel King believes the ceiling is still unknown for Godolphin’s emerging three-year-old Green Spaces after the colt stormed to victory in the Group 3 Spring Stakes at Newcastle.
Stepping out for just the sixth time in his career, the $4 chance exploded late, putting a decisive three-length gap on roughie Bird Whistle ($51), while Long Legs ($6) stayed on well to finish third.
Now trained by Bjorn Baker — who also guided Pericles to wins in the Tramway Stakes and a runner-up finish in the Group 1 Champions Mile for Godolphin this spring — Green Spaces will head to the paddock ahead of an autumn preparation. King says the colt’s natural talent stands out.
“He’s a lovely horse. He’s got that great, natural ability, he’s got a fantastic attitude, and he’s still learning,” King said.
“He hit the front and still had a wander today. I felt like, if something had come to him, he had plenty more there. I like a lot about him.
“He is becoming more professional every time he steps out so if he keeps going on the upwards trajectory that he is, I don’t know where he will end up.”
Green Spaces began his racing career with James Cummings, scoring on debut at Geelong in April before joining Baker’s yard when Godolphin transitioned to a public training system earlier this season.
The colt has now strung together wins at Wyong and again in the Spring Stakes (1600m). Baker’s racing manager Luke Hilton said that success has boosted the colt’s mindset at home.
“He struts out at home like he owns the joint,” Hilton said.
“I think he’s going to get a trip and I think there are better things for him in the autumn.”
Hilton confirmed that Green Spaces will be rested before being aimed at several high-quality three-year-old features during Sydney’s autumn carnival.
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