The long-awaited Australian debut of the well credentialed Gold Trip in the Listed Winter Challenge (1500 metres) at Randwick in terms of major race focus will be the highlight of Australian racing over the weekend.
Last year Australian Bloodstock purchased the French galloper from trainer Fabrice Chappet for a tilt at the Cox Plate but he was scratched on the eve of the race.
Gold Trip had had ten starts in France for one win at Group Two level and three Group One placings. He also finished fourth in the 2020 Prix de L’Arc De Triomphe.
Gold Trip joined the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace stable last spring and they are pleased he’s finally getting to the races.
Gold Trip also missed the autumn and Eustace admitted this week that it wasn’t Plan A for him to return in the 1500 metres Listed event at Randwick.
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“But it’s a pretty good race for him. He’s got 61kg so he’s not burdened with a ridiculous weight and the conditions of the race suit him,” Eustace told Racing NSW website this week.
Eustace said the race fitted in nicely with his campaign. They had been preparing him in Victoria and took him to Albury for a trial on July 12 where he finished second.
He said they then took him to their Sydney stable for this race and he had benefited from a trip away.
Eustace said 1500 metres was short of his best but he had the turn of foot to be competitive.
Eustace said Gold Trip’s second-up run which could be in the George Main Stakes next month would decide what feature races they would aim at with him.
Managing owner Jamie Lovett said the Cox Plate and the Melbourne Cup were on Gold Trip’s radar.
Australian Bloodstock will also be represented by another spring contender in 2021 All-Star Mile winner Mugatoo who is having his first start since May 2020.
