Newnham eyes Group 1 with quality sprinter

Trainer Mark Newnham is plotting a course towards another Group 1 attempt for stallion prospect Splintex in 2021 and the four-year-old looked to be headed in the right direction at the Randwick trials on Thursday.

A date with the The Galaxy is high on Newnham’s wish list this autumn as he looks to add the all important Group 1 to his son of Snitzel’s resume.

That target is still two months off however Newnham is happy with the early signs from Splintex after he stepped up publicly for the first time in 2021.

Splintex is far too speedy for his rivals in a 900m trial at @royalrandwick on Thursday, downing Shout The Bar and Victorem in 52.97. @mark_mnracing @tabcomau @7horseracing pic.twitter.com/eYEVJ9vHoA

Splintex, ridden by Josh Parr, made light work of the opening heat of the morning to hit the line 2-3/4 lengths clear of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott’s Shout The Bar in a time of 52.97 (last 600m in 34.38).

“He has come back well,” Newnham said.

“He’s always been a horse that has been slow to mature as is the rest of him and he is a four-year-old stallion now.

“This prep he has come back a bit stronger. He’s moving well and looks nice and focused.

“I am hoping The Galaxy will be his race.

“He’s got good form at the Rosehill 1100m and doesn’t mind wet tracks, which you can get at that time of year.”

Splintex (red pom pom) did it easy in his trial return. Photo: Mark Evans/Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

The Galaxy is held on Golden Slipper day at Rosehill on March 20.

Splintex, which is already a Group 2 winner, will trial again in a fortnight’s time before Newnham decides on a first-up assignment.

The trainer also had Group 3 winning filly Every Rose trial on the morning with the daughter of Choisir finishing sixth in the second heat, three lengths off the Anthony Cummings-trained Mizzy.

“It was pleasing to see her race with cover, she travelled well throughout and has returned in good shape,” Newnham said.

Every Rose will also trial again before resuming in the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on February 13.

Originally published asSplintex on trial for Galaxy quest

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