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. 

Advertisment
More Reading...
Boxing Day Interest at Ellerslie
Osteria was only upstaged by his talented older stablemate last time out, and back in his own age group, the gelding will be a contender in Thursday’s Gr.2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas (1400m) at Ellerslie.
Vale, Don Goodwin
Don Goodwin, the breeder of 11-time Group One winner Verry Elleegant, has passed away, aged 86.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Rosehill
A busy set of trials at Rosehill on Monday morning featured four heats for juveniles and the winners were all unraced youngsters by Tassort, Too Darn Hot (GB), Super Seth and Golden Slipper winner Farnan, while a Wootton Bassett (GB) colt showed he could possibly still get to the Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
Super Seth Filly Set to Star for Wexford Stabels
Wexford Stables are bullish about landing a couple of knockout blows at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.
The Yearlings You Know You Want to See!
A flood of yearling images uploaded to the Magic Millions website ahead of the Christmas break have brought the first major Australian sale of 2025 to life in an online sense and for those who have not been visiting the farms in the lead up to the sale it’s a great chance to get a look at some of the superstar yearlings.
Eagerly Anticipated Karaka Debuts for First-Season Sires
An exciting group of rookie stallions will have their first yearlings going through the Karaka sale ring late next month.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday December 24
Here is the full list of 9 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Sires With Winners - Monday December 23
Here is the full list of 27 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Magic Millions Order of Entry Updated – Blue Point Fillies on the Rise
After a busy weekend of racing, the Magic Millions order of entry for the 2YO Classic and 3YO Guineas have been given a shake up with two fillies by Blue Point (IRE), a stallion that has had a mixed reception Australia, shooting into contention for the big day at the Gold Coast on January 11.
Promising New Winner for Black Caviar
The racing and bloodstock world were saddened earlier this year following  the passing of undefeated world champion sprinter Black Caviar and her memory was recalled at Wangaratta on Monday when her three year-old filly Persian Caviar made a winning debut.