An exciting Spring beckons for Canberra’s star horses

Today marks the Horse’s Birthday and the beginning of the Golden Slipper-placed Music Time’s 3-year-old season.

The John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes winner has a number of potential Spring target races including the Group 1 Golden Rose, Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes or the $2m Kosciuszko with Trainer Gratz Vella leaving his options open. 

 “We were looking at a race like the San Domenico but that might come up a bit too soon.” Vella said.

“We will give him a jump out next week and then find a barrier trial in Sydney.”

“From there we will assess how he’s going. He could have come back a superstar and he’s showing everything so far that he’s going well so we’ll keep our options open.” 

Music Time isn’t the only Canberra-trained horse with their eye on Kosciuszko glory with the following horses targeting the richest race in the world for country-trained gallopers;

Barbara Joseph, Paul & Matt Jones; Graceful Ellen 

Becky Byrne; Miss Emma 

Gratz Vella; Music Time & Teylu

Nick Olive; Kimberley Secrets 

Luke Pepper; Brave Zena & Fine Vintage

Todd Smart; Love Shuck & Off The Press 

A maximum of 2 ACT trained horses are permitted into the Kosciuszko and Canberra Racing Club Racing and Equine Welfare Manager Chris Polglase believes Canberra can play a major role in the race. 

“Keith Dryden’s Handle The Truth won the race in 2019 and I think this is our strongest hand since then.” Polglase said.

“Our stables are flying at the moment and with our boxes now close to capacity and we’ve never been better placed to be competitive in the Spring.”

“I’m sure our members and community will be right behind our equine superstars throughout the Spring.”

Sweepstakes tickets are available now. Full terms and conditions at www.thekosciuszko.com.au