Pride confident in Attica despite soft trials ahead of Hobartville
Trainer Joe Pride has eased fears regarding Attica's underwhelming trial performances, maintaining they highlight the colt's relaxed personality more than his state of readiness.
Adam Hyeronimus has pushed the three-year-old along in his past couple of gallops, but according to Pride, such behaviour is standard for Attica.
"There has been a bit said about the trial, but he is the most laidback horse in my stable," Pride said.
"You're flat-out getting him to walk sometimes.
"He is just so casual and when he gets the blinkers on, he is a different horse so he will have them on first-up."
Attica displayed his nonchalant approach during spring, holding on narrowly for his maiden success at Warwick Farm, then faltering at Kembla Grange until blinkers sparked wins in the Dulcify Stakes and Spring Champion Stakes.
Godolphin's high-value Lonhro colt from elite broodmare Savatiano has Pride eager for a flying start, and he promises the horse will be fired up for the Hobartville Stakes (1400m) over 1400m at Rosehill this Saturday.
"He is absolutely primed. I'm so happy with him," he said.
"There is no mucking around with colts. They've got to be ready to go right from the start of the 'prep' and he is ready to go.
"He's got the Randwick Guineas second-up and that is one of his big aims."
The Hobartville Stakes (1400m) boasts a 10-horse acceptors list, with Spring Champion Stakes runner-up Shangri La Boy, Caulfield Guineas champ Autumn Boy and newcomer Green Spaces among them.
Gate 10 is Attica's starting position on the outside, while Autumn Boy faces challenges from barrier eight.
A full field of 10 two-year-olds will contest the Silver Slipper, topped by co-favourite for the Golden Slipper Hidrix and Breeders' Plate conqueror Incognito, seeking to bounce back from a palate problem suspected in his unplaced return.
Find the leading online bookmakers offering keen racing odds on the Hobartville Stakes.
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