Trial #2 Update

Sonny ran 2nd in his trial today in blustery conditions at Geraldton. Results here. To sum it up briefly he got squashed and flattened at the start, and from that point on he had to work hard throughout the rest of the trip.

Sonny knew what today was all about and was a real handful for Clive in the saddling yard and stalls. He was kicking the back of the stall and was full of fire. It was clear he knew what he was there for.

There was a big field contesting the trial and one of the other horses has a history of bad behavior and lived up to it's rotten reputation with an appalling display behind the barriers. Sonny was one of the first horses into the gates, and Roy said he was "ready to go" from the outset, pushing up hard up against the front of the gate.

The clerk and handlers could not get the rotten egg into the stalls. He was going in, then backing out for a good 5mins. It was a painful period for all. Sonny though, settled in well, probably too well. The starter decided to let the trial go without the rotten egg, and when they jumped Sonny was completely flat footed.

There were two much bigger horses on either side of Sonny, and when he jumped flat, they "squeezed" him and nearly put him onto his nose. Not an ideal opening at all. Roy said he had to really work hard to pick himself up, and then worked very hard on the outside of the field in order to stay in the race.

Sonny finished off well running into second position and has returned to the stables with no visible damage. He ate up well, which tells us he took no adverse mental affect from the hard going.

Whilst Clive was hoping for another easy trial, things do not always turn out the way we hope. As it is, Sonny has really had to work hard and found out that it's not all bells and whistles out there. In addition, he is not the biggest framed horse so will always get bustled around more than the others.

Clive will be looking to trial Sonny once more time after today's tough run. He wants to be sure Sonny took no hardship and will still get out there and be competitive.

We also have to see how his shins are as Clive reminded me that he may pull up a little sore.

The next trial is on the 28th of January, so we will be pushing forward towards that date.

Sonny on Track for Trial #2

All things are moving smoothly along with Sonny and he is set to trial this coming Sunday 10th at Geraldton.

Clive has been doing pace work with him over the last week, which is solid work to prep him for the trial. He will have a working gallop (=fast work) on Tuesday and then pace work on Thu. Fri/Sat resting and then trial Sunday.

Just a little note on his "form line". At Sonny;s first trial winner was Freo Doctor see here. Freo Doctor raced at Geraldon this week and won first up see here. This just shows that the trial was a good indicator and places Sonny well.

I'll try and get a video shot of the trial for us all.

Giddy Up
Slacka