French Group 1 winner Mutual Trust is one of numerous horses affected by Monday’s trials at Cranbourne being abandoned due to the state of the track. Racing Victoria rescheduled the trials to next Monday (August 12) and Mutual Trust’s trainer Sam Pritchard-Gordon reports he will go around next week over 800 metres.
“We are hoping to get him to settle better in his races when he returns this campaign and have him finishing off,” Pritchard-Gordon said.
Mutual Trust is yet to beat a horse home in two Australian starts at Group level but Pritchard-Gordon is adamant the six-year-old will improve this preparation.
He was well supported in betting ($41 into $13) when finishing last, albeit beaten 3¼ lengths, in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on March 9 before finishing last after racing keenly in the Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m) behind Jet Away.
“He was gelded immediately after his lacklustre run in the Easter Cup,” Pritchard-Gordon said.
“He has never impressed me with his action but he has galloped well at home before.
“He’ll be a better horse for sure (this campaign). One thing for sure is that they (imports) improve in their second campaign.”
Mutual Trust is a multiple Group winner at Chantilly, winning the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat (1600m) at that venue as a three-year-old.
He is likely to resume in early September and is likely be restricted to races at or below 1600 metres.
Meanwhile, Pritchard-Gordon says Buxted, who won last season’s listed JRA Trophy (2500m) at Moonee Valley, will be produced towards the end of the spring carnival. (www.racingnetwork.com.au)