Queensland Derby winner Catcha Lefty is back, bigger and better.
Literally and figuratively.
And that comes from the people who know him best, trainers Cristina Monte and her husband Charlie Cini.
The Village Jasper gelding had his first public outing following his Derby triumph on July 16 when he trialled at Albion Park yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon.
Catcha Lefty finished an unextended second in the 1660m workout, never coming off the back of winner and proven open class star Mach Alert in a time of 1:55.8.
Splits of 28.9, 31.6, 27.4 & 28.1 seconds.
“We were very happy with that effort, we’re not big on trialling horses but with these types, there is a certain expectation and they need to be ready almost immediately nowadays. That was an ideal trial, he had a run without being knocked about but he still had a good blow afterwards.” Cini said.
Catcha Lefty is expected to trial again before connections look for a start point for his latest campaign.
The long term aim is the Gr.1 Chariots of Fire at Menangle in February next year but he must earn his trip south.
“The Chariots is the main event for a four-year-old and his Derby victory proves he deserves his chance to compete in such an event, it’s obviously very strong depth wise with the likes of Lazarus, Our Waikiki Beach and many others heading in that direction.
“We plan on giving him a few starts locally before looking at heading south to compete in the Chariots qualifiers so his form must be very good to warrant a start, the qualifiers are going to be hard let alone the Chariots itself.
“Shane (Graham – driver) was very happy with the trial and believes the Chariots campaign will prove beneficial for his development. Most of his local feature targets come in the latter part of the season so it fits his schedule nicely.”
And as far as his make-up and frame is concerned, Catcha Lefty thrived during his break.
“The scales don’t lie; he put on at least 50kg during his down time while he’s probably a little taller too.
“His stablemate Bring On Lefty also did very well during the break, they were well looked after by Scott (Miller) and Shannon (Price).”
Bring On Lefty is expected to travel to Sydney as a companion for Catcha Lefty next month.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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