Attica set to step out ahead of 2026 Hobartville Stakes return
There will be no long wait for another appearance from Attica, with the Group 1-winning colt set to step out in the trials this Friday.
The Lonhro three-year-old is well into his preparation for the Autumn Carnival and will trial at Warwick Farm in what is expected to be the first of three outings ahead of his racetrack return.
Attica has been kept under wraps since his win in the Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick on October 25, a success that came just weeks into his racing career, and trainer Joe Pride said the short break has been beneficial.
“He only had a short let-up and I’ve been really happy with him,” he said.
“It was all in his first racing preparation last time around, but he’s made some nice improvement and I’m really pleased with the way he’s moving along.”
The Spring Champion Stakes victory was Attica’s third win from four starts.
He is being aimed at a return in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on February 21.
Racing in Godolphin’s famous blue colours, Attica has the Randwick Guineas earmarked as his initial Group 1 assignment, though Pride said plans beyond the March 7 mile are not yet locked in.
“He’ll more than likely have three trials and he’ll be in the Hobartville first-up,” Pride said.
“We just have to be guided by how he goes in those first few runs.”
The second of those trials will be held at Warwick Farm on January 22 and is expected to also feature the return of star stablemate Ceolwulf.
The Tavistock gelding concluded last spring with back-to-back Group 1 wins in the King Charles III Stakes and the Champions Mile, and Pride said his first trial would be used as a guide for the campaign ahead.
“It will be a similar plan with him this time around, we’ll get some racing into him and see where he’s at.”
Ceolwulf resumed last autumn when fourth in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m), later ran third in the George Ryder Stakes, and scored his lone victory in the Neville Sellwood Stakes over 2000 metres.
The post Friday return for G1 winner Attica first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
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