Reece Goodwin is now in his fifth year as trainer and still hunts through web-based sales for affordable horses.
The stakes-placed Coastwatch is his latest find, preparing for the Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield this Saturday in his initial appearance for Goodwin.
Coastwatch’s early career was with Chris Waller, followed by a move to the Freedman pair—Richard and Will—before going up for sale after bombing out at Canberra in November.
Back in 2025, the gelding took out a Listed race at Sandown, but he was unable to place in any of his following eight races.
When Goodwin snapped up Coastwatch, he commented that the horse is ideal for his setup.
“It’s what we have been doing for a number of years now,” Goodwin said.
“He’s a horse that has shown plenty of ability previously and tapered off in form for whatever reason, and sometimes we can get them going again, and sometimes we don’t.
“The older they are and the higher rated they are, the tougher it is to get them going, but it wasn’t too long ago that he was running OK and everything is price relative as well.
“If he had brought $40,000 or $50,000, we wouldn’t have him, but he only made $20,000 which we thought was a price worth risking on a horse that is going to be running in a race like Saturday, a $200,000 race, even though it’s probably a bit more competitive, or stronger, than I anticipated.”
Trials have gone smoothly for Coastwatch, like his recent third placing at Pakenham to Sheza Alibi, the Doncaster Mile prospect, but Goodwin isn’t banking on early triumphs.
Goodwin pointed out the unfortunate gate for Coastwatch on Saturday, adding that a good finish would make him content.
“We’ll probably ride him quiet, but it would be good to see him getting through the line late and then we’ll look to step him up to 1600 (metres) second up and see him a bit more competitive then,” Goodwin said.
“We won’t be searching for anything interstate. We’ll keep him at home and try and pick off a race or two and we basically only have to win one of these races to be well in front.
“He does handle some sting out of the ground and being an older horse with some wear and tear, he certainly wouldn’t suit summer.
“We’re just looking for a good kick-off on Saturday and building our way from there.”
Check sports betting options and racing odds ahead of the Group 3 Victoria Handicap.
