Three-year-old colt General Beau back stronger as spring campaign kicks off in Vain Stakes

General Beau’s newly-developed strength will undergo a stern test at the end of Saturday’s Group 3 Vain Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield.

General Beau was one of Melbourne’s top two-year-olds last season, winning three of five starts and finishing fifth in the Blue Diamond at his last start in February.

But co-trainer Simon Zahra said the colt had significantly developed in his time off, justifying the stable’s decision not to press on for a Sydney campaign.

“He’s turned into a cracking animal. Big and strong and we’re really happy with him,” Zahra, who trains General Beau in partnership with Mathew Ellerton, said.

“He’s a lot stronger horse than he was but he’s just carrying a little bit of condition, which will tighten up as we go.”

Ellerton and Zahra gave General Beau a jumpout down the Flemington straight on Monday.

Zahra said the Brazen Beau colt was short of peak fitness for the Vain Stakes but he expected General Beau to be in the finish.

General Beau fights hard to win the Blue Diamond Prelude at Caulfield in February. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

“He’s not wound right up and he’s got plenty of improvement in him because it’s a long spring,” Zahra said.

“He likes Caulfield and is a natural sort of competitor

“He’ll put himself there and hopefully his condition holds out.”

General Beau is among Caulfield Guineas entries but Zahra said the stable would decide the three-year-old’s main spring target after his second-up run in the McNeil Stakes over 1200m.

“At the moment, he’s a hard-going horse and hopefully he can relax if we decide to go the Caulfield Guineas way,” Zahra said

“There’s other races like the Blue Sapphire if we keep him to sprints and have a go at the Coolmore.

“He’s a possible stallion prospect if he gets that Group 1 win on the board so we’ll give him every chance to do that in the spring.”

General Beau is a $6 chance in early Vain Stakes betting.

Blue Diamond and Golden Slipper placegetter Ingratiating is the $3.20 favourite.

Originally published asGeneral back stronger for spring campaign

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