Trainer Sterling Alexiou indicated that the learning process for the stakes-winning colt Southend is ongoing. The initial races of his campaign are expected to significantly influence the direction taken this spring.
The three-year-old makes his return in the Group 3 Up And Coming Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on Saturday. Assigned an awkward barrier in gate nine from 11 runners, he will be ridden conservatively, allowing him to finish strongly.
“That’s probably the only disappointing thing. If he could have drawn a decent barrier, he would have had the option to race a bit handier,” Alexiou stated.
“Just that start is a bit tricky. We’ll probably have to take our medicine, balance up, and he’ll be finding the line well.”
Having won the Baillieu (1400m) at only his second start in the autumn, Southend concluded his campaign with a sixth-place finish in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) in April.
Consequently, connections gained limited insight into his capabilities over a mile. However, Alexiou is optimistic that the colt’s performance on Saturday, and in his subsequent planned start in the Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m), will offer more definitive guidance.
“We’re still feeling our way with him in regards to what his best distance is going to be,” he commented.
“It was an end of ‘prep’ run (in the Champagne Stakes). He was up in trip, three weeks between runs and in a pretty strong race.”
“He’ll run on Saturday and then go to the Ming Dynasty, then we’ll work out if we go to a Golden Rose or a Caulfield Guineas, or a Dulcify Stakes and on to a Spring Champion Stakes.”
“We’ll know a lot more after Saturday, and a lot more after the Ming Dynasty.”
Southend has impressed Alexiou through his two trial appearances, most recently finishing ahead of the highly regarded filly Chayan.
However, he cautioned that the colt has consistently been on the larger side and will undoubtedly improve from his first-up run, although a competitive return is anticipated.
“I’m just really looking forward to getting him back to the races and seeing how much improvement he’s made,” Alexiou said.
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