Toga Picta ready for Stutt Stakes test

Darryl Sherer - Monday September 25

Toga Picta had his first look at Moonee Valley on Monday ahead of him racing in Friday night's Group II Stutt Stakes (1600m) and passed his first test comfortably.

Toga Picta (outside) galloping with Etymology on Monday. Photo: Darryl Sherer

The James Cummings-trained three-year-old was paired with the older Etymology over 1200m, speeding up to run the last 400m in 24.05 seconds and please Godolphin's Melbourne assistant trainer David Charles.

"I was very happy with his work this morning," Charles said.

"His form is solid for a race like the Stutt Stakes and his performance on Friday will give us a good indication of where we head with him."

Toga Picta only weakened late on when finishing 12th behind Royal Symphony last time out in the Exford Plate at Flemington over 1400m and featured in the stewards report having to be eased to avoid interference in the home straight

The son of Group I winners Lonhro and Purple will be fitted with winkers for the first time on Friday to sharpen his focus and Charles is anticipating an improved performance.

"Colts like him have to perform at this level if they are going to progress on to better races," Charles said.

"We'd be hoping he can how he's good enough for a race like the Caulfield Guineas but we'll find out Friday - he should run super I think."

Advertisment
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Friday November 22
Here is the full list of 46 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Luberon Keeps Winning Run Going for Cambridge Stud
Quality mare Luberon put a classy field of sprinters to the sword at Pukekohe on Saturday when she dashed away in the closing stages to score a handsome victory in the Gr.3 Haunui Farm Counties Bowl (1100m).
Catalogue Online for the Southern Hemisphere Session of the Tattersalls Online December Sale
The catalogue of initial entries for the Southern Hemisphere Session, an innovative collaboration between Tattersalls Online and Inglis Digital, has now been published on the Tattersalls Online website.
Stakes-Winning Debut for $1.3million Snitzel Colt
Exciting Snitzel colt Return To Conquer headed into his raceday debut in Saturday’s Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m) with a big price tag, big reputation and big expectations, and the million-dollar colt produced a Pukekohe performance worthy of the hype.
One to Watch – Moonee Valley
This promising three year-old Cosmic Force filly made it wo wins in as many starts at Moonee Valley on Friday night with a tenacious display.
Pencarrow Blueblood Filly Wins Again
Royally bred filly Sesimbra made it back to back victories to open her three-year-old campaign when she took out the opening event at Wanganui, the Wanganui Function Centre 3YO (1200m) in dramatic fashion.
Impressive Debut Win for Churchill 3YO
Just days after Churchill (IRE) sired the second highest priced horse sold at the 2024 NZB Ready to Run Sale when his colt from Bagitol fetched $775,000, a talented three year-old bought from the same sale last year kicked off his career with a super impressive debut win.
Halo Racing Reduction features in November (Late) catalogue
Shares in reigning G1 Caulfield Cup champion Duke de Sessa, G1 Toorak Hcp winner Attrition and tomorrow’s G1 Railway Stakes favourite Light Infantry Man headline an exciting Inglis Digital November (Late) Online Sale.
Best On Breeding
The cerise, white crossed sashes and black cap of Bob Peters, Peter's Investments, may not be the once dominant force they have been for decades in Western Australian racing, but they are far from finished.
Top Sellers at Goffs November Breeding Stock Sale
The Goffs November Breeding Stock Sale had plenty of drama when the dam of Goliath, who runs in the Japan Cup on Sunday, was passed in at €5miliion, but there were other high profile sales including Fastnet Rock's Epsom Oaks winner Qualify.