Trainer Tyler Donaldson-Aitken is on the cusp of a significant milestone, preparing to saddle his inaugural Group 1 runner with Welcometotheshow.
The gelding, Welcometotheshow, is being targeted for the prestigious Toorak Handicap over 1600 metres this Saturday, following an impressive maiden Stakes race triumph at Flemington on September 12.
To fine-tune the gelding’s preparation, Donaldson-Aitken took Welcometotheshow to Caulfield Heath on Thursday for an easy 1000-metre trial, where he finished sixth.
“There was a Group 1 horse in there that had performed well over a shorter distance, and it was in front of us,” Donaldson-Aitken stated. “They went a bit slow early and it kicked away late, but Craig (Newitt) was happy with how he trialled.
“We wanted him to have a bit of a blow today. He hadn’t done any big pieces of work since he last raced in the Listed race at Flemington, so it was a good gallop for him.”
Donaldson-Aitken revealed that the Toorak Handicap entered his thoughts after the gelding’s Flemington performance. With a rating of 98 post-victory, Welcometotheshow is expected to secure a place in the field.
“He’ll get in on the minimum, still a couple of points out of handicap, but you can’t really argue with 52 (kilos),” Donaldson-Aitken explained. “We’ve always liked him. It was lucky that he was passed in as a Ready To Run horse from our draft and we were able to train him, and he’s become what he is.
“He always keeps stepping up and as you lift the bar, he keeps stepping up to it and coming to Saturday, it’s another big step up again, so we’ll see how he goes.
“He’s good over a mile, and the goal for this preparation, ultimately, is to get him out over 2000 (metres).”
Beyond the Toorak Handicap, Donaldson-Aitken has identified the Five Diamonds Prelude at Randwick on October 24, followed by the Group 3 Five Diamonds (1800m) at Randwick on November 7, as subsequent targets.
“He’s given us every indication that he will stay 2000 (metres), and Craig said he definitely will,” Donaldson-Aitken confirmed. “Once we get to 1800 then we can go to 2000 and if he can perform at that with a turn of foot, he’ll be dangerous again.”
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