Dual Group placegetter Eviction Notice could be pointed towards a start in the Listed Rosebud if the colt can finish his two-year-old campaign with a victory.
The Tulloch Lodge gelding secured placings in the Canonbury Stakes and Silver Slipper during the summer months. He was then spelled following a midfield performance in the Black Opal Stakes, which was won by the subsequent Golden Slipper placegetter, Music Time.
He returned to racing in midweek grade at Warwick Farm earlier this month with the intention of breaking his maiden status, but encountered a promising colt in Castillo King, trained by Michael Freedman.
“I think the winner was very good, and his was an honest run,” co-trainer Adrian Bott stated.
“He’s come back very well and he’s doing things much better this preparation. That should help him sustain a longer ‘prep’, and open up a few options later on.”
Bott acknowledges that Eviction Notice will be racing on a nine-day turnaround in Saturday’s Marcellin College Randwick Handicap (1100m). Furthermore, under the weight conditions, he will be carrying up to five kilograms more than some of his competitors.
However, assuming the track continues to improve from its soft 7 rating on Thursday, Bott is optimistic the juvenile can secure a win before his third birthday on August 1.
“There are a few things against him, but he is better for that first run, and I thought that would end up being a pretty good form race,” Bott commented.
“He has been gelded this prep, which is where we’ve seen the biggest change mentally.
“He used to be in a bit of a rush at times. He’s got an abundance of speed, but it’s how he utilises that because at times, he was wanting to get the race over and done with.”
Should Eviction Notice perform well at Randwick, Bott indicated that early-season three-year-old stakes races, such as the Listed Rosebud (1100m) on August 15, would be considered.
“Those are options for him,” he said.
“We want to see him prove himself to get into those races again and try to give him a bit of confidence.
“Then you can take that mindset that he’s an experienced horse with a bit of fitness on his side going early into the spring before some of those other horses resume.”
Adam Hyeronimus is scheduled to ride Eviction Notice from barrier eight.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on Eviction Notice’s performance this weekend; check out the latest Australian betting sites for potential wagers.
