A big set of trials at Rosehill on Tuesday morning held plenty of interest with Everest contenders Mazu and Masked Crusader in action, while O’President was given a serious send along by new trainer Bjorn Baker and an unraced So You think colt caught our eye.
A Group winner at two, O’President was gelded and on-sold through Inglis Digital for $435,000 after failing to soar to the required heights last season at three.
The Fastnet Rock gelding was having his second trial here this preparation and was in a different post code after flying the start for Rachel King.
Group I winners Fangirl, Hinged and Masked Crusader were given easier trials in the same heat finishing third, fourth and fifth with talented, but enigmatic Ingratiating in second place.
The Peter and Paul Snowden trained Maurice (Jpn) gelding Mazu looked to be in cruise control with his easy half length heat win over 1030m. He’s had two trials back and looks ready to head back to the races.
Mazu will be protecting a six race winning streak, but will find the road forward from here a lot tougher at this time of year with the big guns Nature Strip and Eduardo waiting to take him on.
Having his first public outing in a 900m heat with Hugh Bowman on board, the Chris Waller trained So You Think colt Pungo showed good pace from the barriers to cross and lead. He kept up a good gallop, albeit well held together to win by half a length.
A $180,000 NZB Ready to Run purchase from the KB Bloodstock draft, Pungo is the first foal of Uzayli, a winning half-sister by Lonhro to stakes-winner Turbo Street and to the dam of Group II winner Scott Base.
His third dam Terrestial produced Australian Group I winners Outback Prince and Hotel Grand, so there is a bit of depth to his pedigree.
Click here for all the trial results with Sale Mail at Breednet and at Racing NSW with video.