Star jockey Michael Rodd will partner Gold Trail in his two-race Group One campaign in New Zealand next month.Trainer Gary Portelli confirmed that Rodd would be aboard Gold Trail for his upcoming 1200-metre assignments.The campaign kicks off with the NZ$200,000 Railway Stakes at Ellerslie on New Year's Day with the NZ$1 million Telegraph Handicap at Trentham on January 23.Gold Trail has not raced since taking out the Group Two The Shorts (1100m) at Randwick in October but comfortably won a trial
Star jockey Michael Rodd will partner Gold Trail in his two-race Group One campaign in New Zealand next month.
Trainer Gary Portelli confirmed that Rodd would be aboard Gold Trail for his upcoming 1200-metre assignments.
The campaign kicks off with the NZ$200,000 Railway Stakes at Ellerslie on New Year's Day with the NZ$1 million Telegraph Handicap at Trentham on January 23.
Gold Trail has not raced since taking out the Group Two The Shorts (1100m) at Randwick in October but comfortably won a trial at Warwick Farm on Monday.
"He is as strong as ever and his trials thus far have shown me enough to warrant taking him over," Portelli said on his website.
"Every time we step out with this fellow he amazes me on what an improved horse he has become.
"Its not going to be a walk in the park by any means but the form around him is strong and I think he will be very competitive."
All six of Gold Trail's wins have been over 1100 metres.
"His 1200-metre form is questionable, but like I said he improves every prep and I have left no stone unturned making sure he is cherry ripe for the first (of January)," Portelli said.
Gold Trail was 2-1/4 lengths second to Burdekin Blues in the Group Two Expressway Stakes (1200m) in February but failed over the trip two starts later when he only beat one home in the Listed The Schweppes on a heavy track at Rosehill in April.