On pedigree, this unraced three year-old colt jumped straight off the page at the Warwick Farm trials on Friday morning and over the last 100 metres he also jumped out of the ground to win with authority, while a favourite of mine has returned in style.
Trained by Bjorn Baker, Fields of Honour is by the late Tavistock from Champion Australian 2YO Filly Fashions Afield.
He was having his fourth barrier trial and second this preparation with Jason Colllett asking him for an effort in the 1200m heat which he won by two and a quarter lengths.
The time wasn’t flash, but he got the job done and will be well educated when he steps out although longer distance may be his forte.
A $230,000 Magic Millions purchase for Bjorn Baker Racing/Clarke Bloodstock from the Westbury Stud draft, Fields of Honour was bred by Gerry Harvey, who sent Fashions Afield to stud in New Zealand in 2016, with Fields of Honour the result of her first mating there.
A dual Group I winner by Redoute’s Choice, Fashions Afield has had five foals to race for four winners highlighted by Group II winner Kiss and Make Up and stakes-placed Paris Match.
Fans of Matthew Smith’s progressive So You Think mare Nimalee won’t have long to wait to see her back in action judging by her trial win.
She was having her second trial this preparation and looked to be in great shape as she cruised to the line for Nash Rawiller to win here 1200m heat by a neck.
With four wins from six starts Nimalee made rapid progress through restricted grades last time in work and if she doesn’t end up a Black Type mare I’ll be amazed.
A $270,000 Inglis Premier purchase for Randwick Bloodstock from the Millford Thoroughbreds draft, Nimalee runs for Letmar Investments.
Bred by Cressfield, she is a three-quarter sister to Group III placed The Chairman from Dezign, an unraced half-sister by Zabeel to Group II winner Star Fashion from Group II winner and Hong Kong Derby winner Elegant Fashion.
Click here for all the Warwick Farm trial results with Sale Mail at Breednet and with video at Racing NSW.