Trip away for Hartnell and Esperance

Darryl Sherer - Tuesday September 5

Although neither are racing at Moonee Valley on Saturday trainer James Cummings sent Hartnell and Esperance on an outing to the course on Tuesday

Hartnell after his gallop. Photo: Darryl Sherer

The last start PB Lawrence Stakes winner Hartnell galloped on his own over 1200m and was allowed to bowl home his last 400m in 25.74 seconds while Esperance was paired with fellow three-year-old Banish over 1000m in a stronger piece of work.

Speed was not the main objective for Hartnell according to Godolphin's Melbourne assistant trainer David Charles.

"He's done extremely well since his win at Caulfield and we're looking forward to the Makybe Diva Stakes (September 16) with him next," Charles said.

"It was going to be a month between runs so James thought it was a good opportunity to send him away from home for a gallop and we're extremely happy with the horse."

Winner of both his starts, Esperance last raced at Sandown on August 16 when defeating Indernile by two lengths over 1200m.

The son of Bernardini won by eight lengths on debut at Echuca in July and Charles said a trip away to work was a new experience for Esperance.

"James thought it was part of the learning curve for him to have a trip away and have a look at the track here with future races in mind," Charles said.

"It's been a month between races for him as well and he's likely to be taking on stronger opposition at Flemington on Saturday week so he needs to be ready."

Esperance is rated a $16 chance by Sportsbet for next month's Caulfield Guineas. 

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