The Lindsay Park team feels assured that the ambitions of juvenile Blue Diamond Stakes contender Eurocanto have resumed their course.
The youngster under the care of Ben, Will and J D Hayes was returned to the barrier trials following his withdrawal from the Blue Diamond Preview over 1000m at Caulfield on January 24.
On that occasion, Eurocanto misbehaved in the starting gates and got scratched right at the barriers.
The colt needed a vet’s approval to return to racing after race-day veterinarians declared Eurocanto lame in the off fore, and officials mandated that the juvenile satisfy them in a jump-out trial.
That trial took place last Friday at Flemington where Eurocanto ended up runner-up in an 800m heat to Don’t Hope Do.
J D Hayes mentioned the team was pleased to have their Blue Diamond prospect ready for action again, with the two-year-old set to compete at Caulfield this Saturday in the Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m).
Hayes noted that ideally Eurocanto would enter Victoria’s top juvenile event, the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 21, on his third start of the preparation.
However, the team took heart from Eurocanto’s display last Friday.
“He trialled really well against the older horses, and he’ll be taking his place,” Hayes said.
“He’s back on track and I thought it was a good trial.
“He passed with flying colours, and he was on his best behaviour and hopefully he stays that way.”
Eurocanto has only started once before, taking out the Listed Maribyrnong Trial over 1000m at Flemington back in October.
Ahead of his planned debut on January 24, Eurocanto completed two jump-outs, placing third at Flemington on January 2 prior to a win at Werribee on January 16.
“I don’t think he will be lacking anything for fitness on Saturday,” Hayes said.
For the Lindsay Park operation, Eurocanto stands as the only entrant in the colts and geldings section of the Prelude, while they have entries for Jacaranda, Medicinal and Portinari in the fillies’ section. Check out the Australian betting sites for the Blue Diamond Prelude markets.
The post Take two for Eurocanto first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
