Splintex is back in the winner’s stall after claiming his first victory in over a year in the Group 3 Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.
It was the entire’s first win since he won the Arrowfield Sprint at Group 2 level during the Sydney autumn carnival last year.
The son of Snitzel will now head up to Queensland to tackle the Queensland Winter Racing Carnival.
Trainer Mark Newnham said it was good to see Splintex back in form after a disappointing spring in Melbourne.
“It was very good to see him back to his right form,” he said.
“Things just didn’t go right for him his first two runs back from a spell, but he got conditions to suit on Saturday and used it to effect.
“We went to Melbourne and I was hoping at one stage to get an Everest spot for him, which he didn’t get.
“He just doesn’t go around that way of going, that’s really been the only chink in his armour his whole life, the trips to Melbourne just haven’t worked out.
“A couple of runs at Caulfield he didn’t get around there well, and then I tried him at Moonee Valley and it was the same sort of thing. We’ll keep him going clockwise.”
Newnham was in form over the ANZAC Day long weekend, with three winners from three runners.
Lord Olympus won at Doomben and Splintex won at Randwick on Saturday, before Marway kept the streak alive on the Kensington track on Sunday.
Marway recorded his 11th victory from 26 starts and has now earned $300,000 in prize money.
Newnham said the five-year-old won well despite his behaviour.
“He (Marway) was very good, considering his race manners, he did a good job to keep going,” he said.
“He’s a challenging horse at times, but he’s got good speed and he’s got a bit of grit. He’s got a very good winning record.
“He is a bit of a handful, but we’ve got a routine with him now and we’ve got him fairly worked out.
“I might’ve had him a bit fresh on Sunday and that’s probably right at his distance limit as well. I know he’s won up to 1300m at Rockhampton in easier company, but I think his asset here is his high speed, so I don’t think we’ll be going beyond 1200 again.”
Newnham has nominated four horses for Hawkesbury’s stand alone meeting on Saturday.
An interesting runner Newnham has engaged is Onchao in the Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m).
Onchao has only missed the placings once in his four-start career and looks a progressive galloper.
Newnham said the son of Medaglia d’Oro has been aimed towards the Group 3 event.
“This (Hawkesbury Guineas) and the Scone Guineas have been his targets since he came back into work,” he said.
“He was very good first up, probably just needed the run.
“He’s had a trial in between and I’ve put the blinkers on him for Saturday.”
Onchao is currently a $7 chance with tab.com.au.
Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au